Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has urged the Federal Government to adopt a strategy similar to the COVID-19 lockdown to address the worsening problem of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Buratai said insecurity should not be seen as the responsibility of the military alone but as a national crisis that requires the collective sacrifice of all Nigerians.
“When there are national crises, we need to mobilise everybody, not just the military,” he stressed. “Look at COVID-19 — how much was spent, how much was invested into communication, palliatives, and preventive measures.”
A call for total national mobilisation
The former Army chief argued that the same level of seriousness displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic should be applied to the war against insecurity.
“The whole nation was locked down because of COVID-19. We can do the same thing. We can lock down this country to ensure everyone concentrates on defeating terrorists and bandits,” Buratai said.
Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, explained that he had long warned about the possibility of insurgency lasting far longer than expected if no long-term measures were adopted.
“Just before I left office, and immediately after I was appointed ambassador to Benin Republic, I sent a note of warning that this insurgency may last longer. It is not something you just wish away. We really need a long-term plan,” he revealed.
He recalled how Nigerians rallied in unity during crises such as the Maiduguri flood disaster, insisting that a similar mobilisation is needed now more than ever to strengthen the fight against terrorists.
His remarks come at a time when the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) raised concerns over deteriorating security, reporting that over 50 people were killed in separate attacks across the country within one week.
Civilian involvement beyond the battlefield
Buratai emphasised that military campaigns alone cannot deliver lasting peace.
According to him, citizens must also be actively engaged through awareness creation, psychological mobilisation, and community-based initiatives.
“Citizens must be mobilised psychologically, through social media, press, and community support, to overcome what I describe as the so-called terrorists and bandits,” he added.
The former Army chief’s comments have renewed conversations on whether Nigeria’s fight against insecurity requires extraordinary nationwide measures similar to the country’s COVID-19 response.
