Buratai Calls for COVID-19 Style Lockdown to Curb Insecurity

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has called on the Federal Government to adopt a nationwide mobilisation similar to the COVID-19 lockdown in order to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Buratai argued that terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping should not be left for the military alone but treated as a national emergency requiring collective sacrifice.

“We Can Lock Down for Security”

“When there are national crises, we need to mobilise everybody, not just the military,” he said. “Look at COVID-19—how much was spent on information, communication, advertisement, palliatives, and preventive measures.

“The whole nation was locked down because of COVID-19. We can do the same. We can lock down this country to ensure everyone concentrates on defeating this cankerworm of terrorists and bandits.”

Long-Term Strategy Needed

Buratai recalled warning, shortly before leaving office as Army Chief and later as Ambassador to Benin Republic, that the insurgency might last longer than anticipated without a sustained long-term strategy.

“This insurgency is not something you just wish away. We really need to have a long-term plan,” he emphasised.

He also drew parallels with the Maiduguri flood crisis, where Nigerians rallied to support Borno State, saying a similar spirit of collective mobilisation was necessary in the fight against insecurity.

Human Rights Concerns

Buratai’s remarks come amid fresh concerns raised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which in its latest report highlighted worsening violations of the right to life and freedoms. Over 50 people were reported killed in separate attacks across the country in the past week alone, despite ongoing government efforts.

Beyond the Military

The retired general insisted that winning the battle against insecurity requires psychological and social mobilisation, not just military action.

“Citizens must be mobilised—through social media, the press, and community support—to defeat these so-called terrorists and bandits,” he said.