Nigerians Must Take Ownership of counter-insurgency operations–‘ Buratai

Nigerians Must Take Ownership of counter-insurgency operations–‘ Buratai

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Tukur Yusufu Buratai has said that it is high time Nigerians take ownership of the war against insurgency by providing public support and credible intelligence to Nigerians.

The former Army Chief stated this on Friday in Yola at the 24th, 25th and 26th convocation lecture of Modibbo Adama University where he served as the Convocation Lecturer of the University. Buratai’s lecture was titled The Nigerian Front on War on Terror: Security and Development.

Amb. Buratai said that “The military, MDAs, the media, civil society, and religious leaders, as well as the academia, have crucial roles to play. Additionally, Nigerians must take ownership of the counter-terrorism operations by providing public support to motivate the soldiers and demonstrate legitimacy.

“This war is not between the Nigerian Army and Boko Haram. It is a conflict between Nigeria and the terrorists, in which we are all involved. Government presence and control through development activities in the liberated areas to win hearts and minds and shore up public support as well as degrade the terrorists… A whole of government approach would ensure that the intertwined objectives of development, good governance, and security are achieved,” said the former Army Chief.

Amb. Buratai spoke to a mammoth gathering of students and faculty of the University as well as guests and eminent personalities who graced the occasion.