Buratai-Inspired Book Sparks Debate on Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths
By Matthew Eloyi
A new book advocating structured national mobilisation of young Nigerians for defence readiness has reignited debate on how best to tackle the country’s persistent security challenges.
Author and military scholar, Dr MS Abubakar unveiled his work, “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths”, on Friday in Abuja, describing it as a product of his doctoral research in Military Studies at the University of Abuja.
The book, which he affectionately called the “TY Buratai Book”, is dedicated to former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), whose contributions to Nigeria’s military and security landscape he praised as highly revered.
Abubakar used the occasion to draw attention to Nigeria’s evolving security threats, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry and activities of armed groups, arguing that bold and innovative solutions are required to confront them.
“Nigeria faces numerous security challenges,” he said. “In addressing these challenges, I drew inspiration from countries like Finland, Israel, South Korea and Singapore, which empower their youths through mandatory military service, instilling patriotism, discipline and defence readiness.”
The 287-page publication, structured into 12 chapters, explores the concept, benefits and possible implementation pathways for compulsory military service in Nigeria.
Abubakar revealed that a survey conducted during his research showed significant public backing for the idea.
According to him, 73.1 per cent of Nigerians surveyed believe mandatory military service is necessary for youths, while 79.7 per cent think it could help address the country’s pressing security challenges.
He said the book also incorporates perspectives from respected military leaders, including Lt General Azubike Ihejirika (Rtd), Lt General TY Buratai (Rtd), and General CG Musa (Rtd), to enrich the national security conversation.
The author commended the current military leadership, expressing confidence in the capacity of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shuaibu, and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
“I strongly believe that the duo are square pegs in square holes,” he said, adding that with adequate support, equipment and resources, they can ensure peace and stability nationwide.
Read Also: No Plan for Mandatory Military Service Yet, Says Defence Minister
However, he stressed that military solutions alone would not suffice.
Abubakar argued that Nigeria urgently needs increased military manpower, improved technology adoption and, crucially, better governance to defeat insecurity.
He defined good governance as the accountable and transparent management of national resources, warning that weak institutions and corruption continue to undermine security efforts.
Citing global governance rankings, the author noted that Nigeria placed 116th out of 120 countries in the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index and 33rd out of 54 African countries in the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance.
Key challenges, he said, include weak institutions, systemic corruption and poor social service delivery.
“Without good governance, we will just continue with the circus,” he warned.
Published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd, the book is intended to stimulate deeper national conversation on youth engagement in security and nation-building.
Abubakar expressed hope that the work would provoke meaningful policy discussions and encourage broader stakeholder engagement on Nigeria’s security future.
“I’m proud to share this work, hoping it sparks meaningful discussions on Nigeria’s security future and fosters essential conversations about national security and youth involvement,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), represented by Colonel Egbe George Usibe, Deputy Director Special Duties in the Office of the Honourable Minister of Defence, commended the publishers and the author for stimulating what he described as a timely and constructive national conversation on youth development, citizenship and national security.
He, however, clarified that the government has no current plan to introduce mandatory military service for Nigerian youths, even as it welcomes scholarly debate on the subject as part of broader national discourse on security and youth development.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, represented by Lt-Col. Samuel Sanaje, described the book as timely contribution to the ongoing discourse on national security and youth development in Nigeria.
