Buratai Calls for Poverty Emergency Declaration in Northern Nigeria

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on poverty in Northern Nigeria. He believes this step is necessary to effectively tackle terrorism and insecurity in the region.

Buratai made his remarks on Friday in Lagos during the launch of a book titled “Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria.” The book was authored by Dr. Joan Ugo Mbagwu, a Professor of Peace, Criminology and Security Studies. Buratai emphasized that military action alone will not solve the problem of terrorism without addressing underlying issues like poverty and unemployment.

He stated that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military means alone and highlighted the importance of good governance, economic opportunities, and community engagement. Buratai explained that while military force can help reduce terrorist threats, it cannot eliminate the root causes of these issues, such as poverty and lack of education.

Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, pointed out that Nigeria’s security challenges require both military and non-military approaches. He stressed the need for better intelligence gathering and community trust in security agencies to effectively combat terrorism.

He warned that security operations that disregard human rights could harm public trust and aid terrorist recruitment. Buratai also mentioned that the military should not take on roles meant for civilian security forces, as this could stretch resources too thin.

On the topic of rehabilitating former terrorists, Buratai supported programs that help reintegrate them into society but insisted that justice for victims should not be overlooked. He advocated for transparent rehabilitation efforts that build trust within affected communities.

Buratai concluded by calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat terrorism, as groups like Boko Haram operate across borders. He urged Nigeria to collaborate more with neighboring countries and organizations to address these security challenges effectively.