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How I confronted insurgency as Nigeria’s army chief – Buratai

On the 2023 general elections, Mr Buratai urged the military to stick to their constitutional role and remain apolitical even when they are called in to assist the civil police at some point

A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, says winning hearts and minds of Nigeria’s North-east populace was a major step taken by the Army that turned the tables against insurgents during his time.

Mr Buratai, a retired Lt General, who is the immediate past Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, said this in an interview with journalists in Abuja.

He said the people also realised that President Muhammadu Buhari was passionate about restoring peace and stability to Borno and the entire North-east region.

He said there was also the reinvigoration of joint civil-military operations, composed of all operational formations of the Services.

According to him, the operation had a central coordination headquarters which also coordinated civil and humanitarian activities.

“It assists the joint force commander in humanitarian or national-assistance operations, theater campaigns or civil-military operations occurring concurrently,” he said.

Mr Buratai urged the military to be resilient and never succumb to the threats of insurgents, terrorists, separatists, kidnappers or armed robbers.

He said the major trick of the terrorists was to instill fear in the minds of people so much so that the people would be afraid to go to their farms, businesses or send their children to school.

“We must all take a stand and show that we are not with the insurgents and the terrorists.

“What the military is doing is fighting for the safety of the people, the military is there to protect and defend the people.

“The military is not just fighting the terrorists on their own, they are there because of the people. This war is a people’s war, and not just a military thing.

“Therefore, we must all get involved, be resilient, provide timely and credible intelligence and avoid any action that will disrupt the peace.

 

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