Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has alleged that some politicians are profiting from terrorism and banditry, blaming political transitions and the sponsorship of criminal elements for Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
In an interview on TVC News monitored by The News Chronicle while reacting to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, Buratai claimed that certain politicians have, over the years, recruited and armed violent groups for political purposes, only for those groups to evolve into deadly terrorist and bandit networks.
“Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists,” Buratai said.
The retired army chief noted that insecurity often surges during election periods and transitions between administrations, arguing that terrorist groups and bandits exploit temporary gaps in security coordination and funding to launch attacks.
“You discover that these terrorists or insurgents have a particular pattern, mainly when there are political activities or when there are transitions from one administration to the other,” he stated.
Buratai said the trend underscores the need for stronger institutional structures capable of sustaining security operations regardless of political changes.
On the recent school abduction in Oyo State, he urged Nigerians to understand the complexities of hostage rescue operations, stressing that the safety of victims must remain the overriding concern.
According to him, rescue missions involving abducted students and teachers require a careful blend of intelligence gathering, patience and precision, warning that rushed military action could put lives at risk.
While acknowledging the capability of security agencies to monitor communications and track criminal networks, Buratai insisted that protecting hostages should take precedence throughout rescue efforts.
He also renewed his opposition to the payment of ransom, describing it as a dangerous practice that strengthens criminal groups and encourages further kidnappings.
“Paying ransom is very counter-productive,” he said, warning that such payments boost the operational capacity of kidnappers and embolden them to carry out more attacks.
To stem the tide of insecurity, Buratai advocated a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework, including the decentralization of security operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger institutions.
He proposed the establishment of state-level branches of the National Security Adviser’s Counter-Terrorism Center, equipped with modern surveillance technology and operational facilities.
The former army chief also called for increased recruitment into the military and police, enhanced training programs, and improved welfare packages for security personnel.
Beyond military measures, Buratai urged the Federal Government to engage more directly with communities affected by insecurity through high-level visits and sustained communication to rebuild public confidence and strengthen cooperation with security agencies.
He maintained that defeating terrorism and banditry would require more than military force, stressing that strong political will, effective intelligence gathering and decisive action against those who profit from insecurity are critical to restoring lasting peace.
According to him, Nigeria can only overcome its security challenges when political actors stop exploiting violence for personal gain, and governments at all levels work closely with local communities to address the root causes of insecurity.
