Collaborative efforts key to tackling insecurity, says Buratai

Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has emphasised the need for strategic synergy between government and security agencies to effectively address insecurity across the country. Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, underscored the importance of such collaboration during the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Security Summit held yesterday in Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, themed Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century, Buratai lauded Lagos State’s leadership in urban governance and security innovation. He noted that the state’s strategic approach under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has set a benchmark for other states, combining proactive measures with a recognition that security extends beyond physical policing.

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Commending the security innovations and strategies by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  the former diplomat said the governor recognizes that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures.

He noted further that Lagos State is indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.

He asserted in his paper that, “The presence of strategic military installations, the verse Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defense map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria” adding that, ” While the sea provides a strategic economic status it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean”.

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He averred further that the Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.

Ambassador Buratai also emphasized the urgent necessity to bolster Nigeria’s troop level to 800,000, adding that a larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliance on the international stage.

He also called for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.

While commending the intervention of the federal government to the development of Lagos State, he said the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway is a huge plus for the State and Nigeria.

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However, he advised the state government and Federal Government on the security implications of opening up the highway, urging for the two arms of government to be proactive by planning early for its security strategies when opened and becomes operational.

LASUED Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, noted that insecurity and rising cost of living are issues, adding  farmers abandoned farming for fear of attacks, resulting in hardship and unemployment.

She said: “The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation is evident “.

The summit featured contributions from notable traditional rulers, including Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa, and others, who discussed the interplay of insecurity, governance, and economic challenges.

Accompanying Buratai were prominent figures such as Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun (rtd) and security expert Oladimeji Odeyemi, reinforcing the event’s focus on developing collaborative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.