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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has blamed political transitions and the actions of some unscrupulous politicians for the persistent insecurity and rising cases of school abductions across Nigeria, particularly in the South West.
Buratai said certain political actors take advantage of insecurity for personal and political gain, especially in rural communities where government presence is limited.
According to him, some politicians have historically relied on local thugs to advance their political interests, only for such groups to later transform into bandits, kidnappers and insurgents.
“Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists,” Buratai said, warning that the trend has contributed significantly to the country’s security challenges.
The former Army chief also noted that terrorist and criminal groups often intensify their operations during periods of political transition. He explained that changes in administration can disrupt funding and coordination of security operations, creating opportunities for criminal elements to strike.
“You discover that these terrorists or insurgents have a particular pattern, mainly when there are political activities or transitions from one administration to another,” he stated.
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Commenting on the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, Buratai urged patience, describing hostage rescue operations as highly sensitive and requiring careful planning to avoid endangering the lives of victims.
He said while security agencies possess the capacity to track communications and gather intelligence, rushing into military action could result in casualties among those being held captive.
Buratai also reiterated his opposition to the payment of ransom, arguing that such payments only encourage kidnappers and fuel further criminal activities. “Paying ransom is very counter-productive,” he said.
To address the growing insecurity, the retired general recommended a comprehensive strategy that includes decentralising counter-terrorism efforts, increasing recruitment into the armed forces and police, and improving the welfare of security personnel.
He specifically 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.
Buratai further urged the Federal Government to strengthen engagement with affected communities by sending high-level delegations to crisis-hit areas as a means of reassuring citizens and rebuilding public confidence.
He maintained that defeating insecurity would require more than military action, stressing the need for strong political commitment, effective intelligence gathering and decisive action against those who profit from violence and instability.
