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Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has urged the Federal Government to impose strict border lockdown measures similar to those adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of efforts to curb banditry and terrorism in the country.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Buratai warned that insecurity had reached a level that could undermine Nigeria’s stability if decisive steps were not taken.
He argued that shutting down the borders would limit the movement of arms and criminal networks fueling violence across the country.
“Insecurity is not something we can continue to treat with kid gloves.
“The same urgency we applied during the COVID-19 lockdown is needed now. If we shut down the borders, it will choke the supply lines of these criminals,” he said.
The former army chief stressed that lasting solutions would require stronger community resilience, where political, religious, and traditional leaders work together with security agencies to restore peace.
He noted that fragmented efforts would only prolong the crisis.
Buratai recalled that he had earlier warned Nigerians that insurgency could last longer than expected, adding that only a long-term security strategy would yield meaningful results.
“I have always maintained that terrorism and banditry cannot be defeated overnight. It needs sustained planning and resources,” he added.
On the role of the military, Buratai urged citizens to see the armed forces as a partner in solving insecurity rather than a stumbling block.
According to him, the Nigerian military remains one of the most capable institutions to confront the challenge if given the right support.
The retired general also weighed in on the debate over state police.
While acknowledging that local policing could help in addressing security threats, he warned that political interference could turn it into a tool of intimidation.
“State policing is a good idea, but if politicians misuse it against their opponents, it will create more problems than it solves.
“For it to work, we must ensure clear safeguards against abuse,” he explained.
Buratai, who served as army chief under former President Muhammadu Buhari, maintained that Nigeria’s fight against insecurity must combine border control, military strength, and inclusive community efforts to achieve sustainable peace.