Buratai urges FG to declare poverty emergency in North
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Punch Newspaper
Reported by Godwin Isenyo
Fri, 6 Nov 2026, 18:21
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Source Attribution: Punch Newspaper
News Stand NG operates under ethical news aggregation guidelines. Source: Punch Newspaper. To read the unabridged investigative reporting and full gallery, visit the original publication.
Buratai said military operations alone could not end terrorism without addressing poverty, unemployment, poor governance, illiteracy and other socio-economic conditions that made vulnerable youths susceptible to extremist recruitment. He also called for stronger counter-terrorism capacity within the Nigeria Police Force, warning that the military should not be continuously deployed to perform duties meant for civilian security institutions.
Context & Background
✦He made the call on Friday in Lagos at the public presentation of a book, “Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria,” authored by a Professor of Peace, Criminology and Security Studies at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Joan Ugo Mbagwu.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Friday:He made the call on Friday in Lagos at the public presentation of a book, “Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria,” authored by a Professor of Peace, Criminology and Security Studies at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Joan Ugo Mbagwu.2021:“It can degrade a terrorist group; it cannot alone remove the grievances of poverty, ignorance and manipulation from which such groups recruit.” Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, said Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North-East and North-West, required a combination of military and non-military interventions.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦Buratai said military operations alone could not end terrorism without addressing poverty, unemployment, poor governance, illiteracy and other socio-economic conditions that made vulnerable youths susceptible to extremist recruitment.
✦He also called for stronger counter-terrorism capacity within the Nigeria Police Force, warning that the military should not be continuously deployed to perform duties meant for civilian security institutions.
✦He made the call on Friday in Lagos at the public presentation of a book, “Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria,” authored by a Professor of Peace, Criminology and Security Studies at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Joan Ugo Mbagwu.
Key Facts:Friday: He made the call on Friday in Lagos at the public presentation of a book, “Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria,” authored by a Professor of Peace, Criminology and Security Studies at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Joan Ugo Mbagwu.2021: “It can degrade a terrorist group; it cannot alone remove the grievances of poverty, ignorance and manipulation from which such groups recruit.” Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, said Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North-East and North-West, required a combination of military and non-military interventions.
Editorial Excerpt
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on poverty in Northern Nigeria as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and insecurity in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding Kogi State?
Buratai said military operations alone could not end terrorism without addressing poverty, unemployment, poor governance, illiteracy and other socio-economic conditions that made vulnerable youths susceptible to extremist recruitment.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
He also called for stronger counter-terrorism capacity within the Nigeria Police Force, warning that the military should not be continuously deployed to perform duties meant for civilian security institutions.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
He made the call on Friday in Lagos at the public presentation of a book, “Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria,” authored by a Professor of Peace, Criminology and Security Studies at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Joan Ugo Mbagwu.
