Listen to what he said, urged the Federal Government to implement a nationwide mobilization strategy, akin to the COVID-19 lockdown measures, to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. In a Friday interview reported by Punch Newspaper on August 22, 2025, Buratai emphasized that terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping require a collective national response, not solely the military’s efforts.
He highlighted the government’s success during the COVID-19 crisis, where extensive resources were deployed for public awareness, information campaigns, and palliatives. Buratai proposed a similar coordinated approach to tackle insecurity, leveraging the same urgency and organization shown during the pandemic to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.
Buratai stressed that the armed forces alone cannot resolve the security challenges, no matter their training or equipment. He advocated for mobilizing citizens through awareness, intelligence sharing, and community engagement, involving both governmental and non-governmental actors to shrink the operational space for criminals.
Drawing parallels with the COVID-19 response, he recommended government-led communication campaigns, utilizing radio, advertisements, and other platforms to educate citizens on their role in national security. Such efforts would encourage vigilance and proactive intelligence sharing with security agencies.
Buratai noted that limited community involvement has allowed terrorism and banditry to persist in some regions. He called for policies empowering local communities, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to contribute to the fight against crime.
Amid ongoing security concerns, despite military successes, Buratai’s call for a unified, inclusive approach underscores the need for innovative strategies. Quoting him, “The whole nation was locked down because of COVID-19. We can do the same thing. We can lock down this country to make sure that everybody concentrates and deals with this cankerworm of so-called terrorists and bandits.”
The government’s response to this proposed mobilization strategy remains uncertain, but Buratai’s remarks highlight the critical need for fresh approaches to Nigeria’s security crisis.
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