The former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd), has identified political transitions and the complicity of some unscrupulous politicians as key drivers of the rising wave of insecurity and school abductions currently plaguing the country, particularly in the Southwest.
The former military chief, who served as Nigeria’s longest-serving Army boss in democratic history, spoke during an exclusive interview on TVC News, where he dissected the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State.
’Politicians Benefit from Insecurity‘
General Buratai did not mince words regarding the role of political actors in the nation’s security crisis. He alleged that some politicians exploit the prevailing insecurity for personal gain, particularly in remote areas where government presence is sparse.
“Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists,” Buratai stated. He explained that these actors often utilize local thugs who eventually evolve into bandits or insurgents to achieve their political ends, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal elements that operate from the shadows.
The ‘Transition’ Trap
Analyzing the recurrence of attacks, Buratai observed a disturbing pattern: security operations often experience a lull during political transitions, which insurgents strategically exploit to heighten their activities.
“You discover that these terrorists or insurgents have a particular pattern, mainly when there are political activities or when there are transitions from one administration to the other,” he noted. He added that during these periods, funding for critical security operations often becomes difficult to secure, creating a vacuum that criminal groups readily fill.
Rescue Operations and the ‘Collateral’ Dilemma
Addressing the public outcry over the delay in rescuing victims of the recent Oyo abduction, the retired General cautioned against expecting swift, kinetic military solutions in every instance. He emphasized that hostage rescue is a “delicate” operation where the primary concern remains preventing collateral damage to the victims.
While acknowledging that security agencies possess the capacity to track communications, he defended the military’s cautious approach, stating that rushing into a combat situation could jeopardize the lives of the school children and teachers held captive.
On the contentious issue of ransom, Buratai maintained a firm stance: “Paying of ransom is very counter-productive,” he warned, arguing that it only emboldens the perpetrators to conduct more kidnappings.
Strategic Recommendations
To stem the tide, the former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin recommended a multi-pronged approach:
Decentralized Counter-Terrorism: He advocated for the expansion of the National Security Adviser’s counterterrorism center to include state-level branches, equipped with high-tech surveillance and operations rooms.
Strengthening Forces: He called for the continued recruitment and training of more troops and policemen, alongside improved welfare packages to ensure personnel remain motivated.
Government-Community Trust: He urged the federal government to deploy high-level delegations to all affected regions, not just as a gesture of empathy, but as a strategic communication tool to reassure citizens of their safety.
As the nation watches the unfolding crisis in Oyo State, Buratai’s submissions serve as a stark reminder that while military might is essential, the battle against insurgency requires political will, intelligence, and an uncompromising stance against the political profiteers of violence.
