Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai (retd), and ex-Defence Chief, General Ishola Williams (retd), have offered critical perspectives on the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, stressing that military intervention alone cannot end the crisis. Both retired generals emphasized the need for broader political, social, and community-based solutions to complement military efforts.
Buratai: Insecurity Rooted in Politics, Not Just a Military Problem
Buratai, who led the Nigerian Army between 2016 and 2021, argued that the roots of insecurity are largely political, driven by actions—or inaction—of political actors. According to him, what began as political failings has now been left for the military to solve while politicians step back.
“Insurgency in Nigeria has lasted too long, spreading across society, from local ward heads to state and federal actors. Unless the underlying issues are resolved, the military cannot single-handedly fix insecurity,” he said.
He recalled that during his tenure, he had warned insurgency might last much longer without a comprehensive long-term plan. Comparing the fight against insecurity to the national response during the COVID-19 pandemic, he suggested that Nigeria could similarly mobilize nationwide efforts, including information campaigns, community resilience, and mass participation.
Farmers Paying Royalties to Bandits
Buratai condemned the disturbing reality that in some states, farmers must pay levies to bandits before accessing their farmlands. He described this as a dangerous trend, one that undermines food security and local livelihoods.
“The solution is multi-faceted,” he said. “Government has a responsibility, but communities, local governments, and individuals must also play active roles. There is a need for dialogue, community resilience, and grassroots cooperation.”
He also stressed the importance of boosting soldiers’ morale, improving welfare, providing adequate training, and ensuring fair public perception of the military. According to him, community involvement in intelligence gathering and support for security forces is essential.
On State Police: Support but With Caution
Buratai expressed support for the idea of state police but warned that Nigeria’s current political environment poses risks of misuse. He argued that political interference could turn such outfits into tools against perceived opponents unless clear guidelines and safeguards are established.
He praised states like those in the South-West for initiatives such as Amotekun and neighborhood watch groups but cautioned that these must remain neutral to prevent escalation of communal clashes, such as those seen between farmers and herders.
Ishola Williams: Nigeria Can End Insecurity in Six Months
General Ishola Williams (retd), a former Commander of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), offered a contrasting view, insisting that insecurity in Nigeria can be resolved within six months—if the right strategies are implemented.
Williams, who is also an anti-corruption advocate, attributed Nigeria’s security challenges to systemic corruption, impunity, and lack of accountability. He proposed a restructuring of the Nigerian Police into three distinct units: Training, Intelligence, and Criminal Agencies, each led by independent directors. He further suggested the creation of a National Para-Military Police Agency, with the Inspector General of Police moved into the Ministry of Internal Affairs for oversight.
According to him, effective policing must be bottom-up, with recruitment rooted in local communities to ensure accountability and effectiveness. He dismissed fears of political interference as an excuse, noting that even the federal police is not immune from political influence.
The Six-Month Solution
Williams maintained that the key to ending killings by terrorists, kidnappers, separatists, and bandits lies in strengthening state and community policing. He cited the establishment of Amotekun in the South-West and neighborhood watch outfits in Lagos and Rivers as successful models of local security that could be replicated nationwide.
“To defeat insecurity, state governments must take responsibility. When communities are safe, states are safe, and by extension, the entire country is safe,” he said.
Corruption and Impunity as Root Causes
Williams also highlighted Nigeria’s “pandemic corruption,” where politicians and officials engage in unchecked accumulation of wealth. He called for stronger punitive measures, including asset seizures and visible use of recovered assets, to restore trust in governance and deter corruption.
Conclusion
While Buratai emphasized that Nigeria’s insecurity is primarily political and requires community resilience, Williams insisted that insecurity can be eliminated swiftly if state policing is strengthened and corruption tackled head-on. Both men, however, agreed that leaving the burden solely on the military is unsustainable and counterproductive.
