Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has declared that Nigeria’s security situation is witnessing steady improvement under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing renewed military offensives against terrorists, insurgents and bandits across the country.
Buratai made the remarks in a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday to mark the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, where he commended the President for what he described as bold and historic leadership decisions.
The former army chief and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin praised Tinubu for implementing major economic reforms and intensifying military operations against criminal elements threatening national security.
“You have not only made history, but you have broken a long-standing jinx that held our nation back for far too long in many critical aspects of our nationhood and national development.
“For this, history will remember you as the leader who dared to remove the fuel subsidy and undertake far-reaching foreign exchange reforms aimed at unifying and stabilising the naira and promoting a more stable exchange rate, among other laudable initiatives and achievements.
“On the other hand, security is improving through renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists, and bandits. We are particularly encouraged by the recent joint Nigeria–United States operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as the intensified counter-banditry operations by troops in the North-West.
“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the IGP, and all the Intelligence Agencies Chiefs.”
Buratai, however, urged the nation’s security handlers not to relent, stressing that more aggressive military actions and intelligence-driven operations would be needed in the coming months.
To this end, Buratai advised the handlers of the nation’s security architecture to maintain the tempo, saying, “the next one year calls for more aggressive kinetic actions, and intensive intelligence-led operations.
“Celebrating Mr. President does not mean ignoring the challenges. Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances. That is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence, Your Excellency.
“We stand with you. We see the foundation being laid and remain hopeful for a brighter future for our dear nation under your able leadership. We pray that Almighty God will continue to grant you greater courage, wisdom, strength, and good health as you strive to better the lot of Nigerians and lead our beloved country to greater heights.”
