By Lawrence Bilal Audu
Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR has outlined a holistic strategy for ending insecurity and other violent crimes in the country through non-kinetic operations.
General Buratai made the remarks, Monday in Maiduguri while delivering a Lead Paper at the 1st International Conference on Insecurity Reconstruction Resettlement and Rehabilitation in the Lake Chad Region organised by the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Maiduguri.
Underscoring the connection between history and security, Buratai posited that history serves as a foundation for all disciplines, offering valuable lessons from the past and preparing for the future.
He noted that security in the Lake Chad Region and the Sahel is a critical issue that demands serious attention from Nigeria, considering the wide range of consequences of instability in Nigeria.
The interconnected nature of security challenges in this region, he said, underscores the potential for unrest in one country to spread to neighbouring nations.
“For decades, Lake Chad Basin countries have grappled with various forms of insecurity including banditry, abductions, highway robbery, and cattle rustling amongst other challenges. In addition, the most significant security challenge facing the Lake Chad Basin remains the Boko Haram crisis.
While commending the efforts of the military and other security agencies including the intelligence community for their coordination that has yielded positive results, the former Army Chief averred that, counterinsurgency operations are undoubtedly complex and challenging endeavours that require strategic planning, coordination and commitment.
The military operation Buratai noted is quite fundamental as it is a coordination of all the stakeholders. “We give kudos to all of them for their job so far. They have done quite well, but we believe it should not be prolonged beyond necessary.
Ambassador Buratai suggested that if the Police is properly positioned and motivated with a good welfare package, in addition to an increase in the number, they would be able to cope with emerging threats.
“If we follow the UN standard of 400 citizens to a policeman, you’d see a great difference, but with what we have, you discover that our capacity is still way below standard.
“We also recommend an increase in the strength of the Armed Forces because the challenges back in the 60s and 70s are not the same now as they have evolved over time. We need more aggressive action to secure our borders and defend our territorial integrity. ”
He noted that although insurgency has been contained to a very large extend, but a lot is still left undone.
“It is essential to understand that tackling insurgencies around the world is a formidable task that demands unwavering determination and a comprehensive approach. While the road ahead may be audious and difficult, it is crucial to note that success is achievable with the right level of dedication and resolve.
“Counterinsurgency operations demand a long-term perspective, a deep understanding of the local context and effective cooperation among various stakeholders with a clear vision and a collective will to address the root causes of insurgency. It is indeed possible to counter such threats and restore security and stability in volatile regions.
“Long lasting peace in post insurgency Northeast Nigeria remains a complex and challenging endeavours with varying perspectives on whether it is a mirage or attainable goal however, assessing the problems and prospects will lead us to finding lasting solutions to insecurity, peace and of course development in the region.
“The region has been plagued by years of conflict and violence resulting in widespread devastation and human suffering that has left deep scars in the hearts of the affected communities. Rebuilding trust among communities and fostering reconciliation are critical components in achieving lasting peace that can heal the wounds of the past.” He said.
Buratai added that deep-seated grievances, political instability, and ongoing security threats pose significant obstacles to sustainable peace casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region’s future.
He commended the Borno State government for the ongoing reconstruction resettlement and development that are ongoing. “We have seen deliberate efforts which have been very successful, resettlement development and so on. Rehabilitation of the former terrorists and so on.”
