Book Review
“Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era”
“Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era”
By Dr MS Abubakar | Published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd
What is this book about?
Between 2015 and 2021, Nigeria faced some of its most complex security challenges in recent history. At the centre of the response was Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai Rtd, CFR, who served as Chief of Army Staff.
This book is not a biography. It is a scholarly examination of “transformational leadership in action” — how leadership, doctrine, training, morale, welfare, and civil-military relations were deliberately re-engineered during a period of insurgency, banditry, and national uncertainty.
Dr MS Abubakar draws on military records, policy documents, interviews, and analysis to answer three core questions:
1. Doctrine: How did the Nigerian Army adapt its operational doctrine to fight an asymmetric war against Boko Haram/ISWAP while also responding to new threats in the Northwest and Middle Belt?
2. Institution Building: What reforms were introduced in training, logistics, equipment, and command structure to build a more professional, responsive force?
3. Leadership & Morale: How did leadership decisions around troop welfare, regimentation, and civil-military trust impact combat effectiveness and national security?
The “Buratai Era” becomes a case study in crisis leadership — the choices, trade-offs, innovations, and lessons that current and future leaders of the Armed Forces and Nigeria can learn from.
Why does this matter now?
Nigeria’s security environment continues to evolve. The lessons from 2015-2021 are not just military lessons. They are lessons in institution building, managing morale under pressure, reforming systems mid-crisis, and earning public trust. For students of leadership, governance, and security studies, this book provides a documented reference point.
Official Public Presentation & Academic Discourse
We will formally present the book on Wednesday, 16th September 2026, at 10:00am at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Many thanks to HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, Emir of Kano, who graciously agreed to serve as the Royal Father of the Day at the event.
The event is structured as an academic discourse, not a ceremonial rally. Two expert panels of retired senior officers and professors will critically review the book’s findings and extract actionable lessons for Nigeria’s security sector and leadership development.
To attend:
Due to limited seats at Transcorp Hilton, we will create an online registration link for those who wish to attend. Register online to get your free e-ticket and secure your seat. We will share the link here on this page in the coming days. Please follow this page and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it.
This book is for anyone who believes that leadership is tested in crisis and that Nigeria’s future depends on learning from our past.
