Former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai has linked the rising insecurity, banditry, and school abductions in Nigeria to political transitions and politicians who allegedly profit from criminal violence. He made these claims during an interview on TVC News, reacting to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.
Politicians and Criminal Networks
According to Buratai, some politicians have historically recruited and sponsored criminal elements for political purposes, only for these groups to later evolve into terrorist and bandit networks. “Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists,” he alleged. He noted that insecurity often escalates during political transitions when security operations face disruptions and funding challenges.
Patterns of Violence
Buratai observed that terrorist groups and bandits intensify their activities during election seasons and transitions between administrations. “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 said. He attributed this trend partly to delays in funding and operational adjustments that accompany changes in government, creating opportunities for criminal groups to exploit security gaps.
School Abduction in Oyo State
Commenting on the school abduction in Oyo State, Buratai urged Nigerians to understand the complexities of hostage rescue operations, emphasizing that victim safety must remain the top priority. He cautioned against hasty military action that could endanger abducted students and teachers, describing rescue missions as delicate operations requiring intelligence, patience, and precision. While acknowledging the capacity of security agencies to track communications and gather intelligence, he maintained that protecting hostages should take precedence during rescue efforts.
Ransom Payment
Buratai reiterated his opposition to paying ransom to kidnappers, warning that it encourages further criminal activity. “Paying ransom is very counter-productive,” he said, adding that such payments strengthen the operational capacity of kidnappers and embolden them to carry out more attacks.
Comprehensive Security Strategy
To address the security crisis, Buratai advocated 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.
Community Engagement
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.
