Insecurity: Buratai Exposes Politicians' Role in Fueling Violence

The former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has made a startling revelation about the connection between politicians and the rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria. In a recent interview on TVC News, Buratai attributed the surge in banditry, school abductions, and other forms of violence to the activities of politicians who benefit from these criminal acts. According to Buratai, some politicians have a history of recruiting and sponsoring criminal elements for their own political gain, which eventually leads to the formation of terrorist and bandit groups. The former army chief stated that these politicians profit from the chaos caused by these groups, saying, 'Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists.' Buratai also noted that insecurity often worsens during periods of political transition, as security operations may face disruptions and funding challenges. He pointed out that terrorist groups and bandits tend to intensify their activities during election seasons and transitions between administrations, explaining that '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.' The former military chief partly attributed this trend to delays in funding and operational adjustments that accompany changes in government, creating opportunities for criminal groups to exploit security gaps. Commenting on the recent school abduction in Oyo State, Buratai advised Nigerians to understand the complexities involved in hostage rescue operations and emphasized that the safety of victims must remain the top priority. He cautioned against hasty military action that could endanger abducted students and teachers, describing rescue missions as delicate operations that require intelligence, patience, and precision. Buratai reiterated his opposition to paying ransom to kidnappers, warning that it encourages further criminal activity and strengthens the operational capacity of kidnappers. To address the security crisis, Buratai proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes decentralizing counter-terrorism operations, strengthening security institutions, and rebuilding public confidence. He called for the establishment of state-level branches of the National Security Adviser's Counter-Terrorism Centre, equipped with modern surveillance technology and operational facilities. The former army chief also urged increased recruitment into the military and police, improved training programs, and better welfare packages for security personnel. Additionally, he called on the Federal Government to engage more directly with communities affected by insecurity through high-level visits and sustained communication aimed at reassuring citizens and strengthening cooperation with security agencies. According to Buratai, defeating terrorism and banditry will require not only military action but also strong political will, effective intelligence gathering, and decisive action against those who profit from insecurity. He stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved when political actors stop exploiting violence for personal gain and governments at all levels work closely with communities to address the root causes of insecurity.