Buratai Says Insecurity in Nigeria a Political Problem Handed to Military

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), has described Nigeria’s persistent insecurity as a political problem that has been shifted almost entirely to the military to resolve.

Buratai, who made the remarks at a recent security forum, argued that while the armed forces have played a vital role in tackling insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes, the underlying causes of insecurity remain political, social, and economic. He noted that the responsibility for long-term solutions rests with the political class and not the military alone.
According to him, weak governance, corruption, unemployment, poverty, and the politicisation of security institutions continue to fuel violence across different regions of the country. He warned that military action can only provide temporary relief if these deeper issues remain unaddressed.

“The armed forces cannot solve insecurity alone. Political leaders must take responsibility by addressing the structural and developmental challenges that drive violence,” Buratai said.

The retired general, who led the Nigerian Army between 2015 and 2021, stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach that combines political will, intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency cooperation, and economic reforms.

He added that excessive reliance on military campaigns risks militarising problems that should be solved through governance and dialogue.
Buratai further called for urgent reforms in intelligence sharing, depoliticisation of security appointments, improved troop welfare, and investment in community-based solutions that would reduce the vulnerability of youths to extremist recruitment.

Security experts have reacted to Buratai’s position with mixed views. While some welcomed his call for political accountability, others argued that the military still faces serious operational gaps that need urgent attention.

Both sides, however, agreed that Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be resolved through force of arms alone.

Buratai concluded by urging the current administration to show strong political commitment, define the roles of civilian authorities more clearly, and address governance failures that continue to undermine the nation’s security efforts.