By Sumaila Ogbaje
The former Chief of Army Staff, Retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has identified effective intelligence gathering and utilisation as critical to tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Buratai made this known in Gora, Nasarawa State, at the presentation of the book, Defence, Intelligence and Statecraft, written in his honour.
He said intelligence was indispensable to national security because security agencies needed to understand the nature, location and activities of threats before effectively confronting them.
The former Army Chief stressed the need for security institutions to strengthen their intelligence capabilities and ensure that information gathered was properly analysed and translated into actionable strategies.
According to him, the relationship between defence, intelligence and statecraft is particularly important in addressing the complex security challenges confronting the country.
He said effective security management required not only military strength but also accurate intelligence, strategic thinking, diplomacy and sound decision-making.
“This book should not simply remain in our workshop or sit on shelves in libraries. It should be put to practical use, particularly for teaching and research in our military and security institutions.
“I would like to see the book made available to institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the National Defence College and other relevant institutions, including the police and the various branches of the Armed Forces.”
Buratai said his military experience had reinforced his belief that intelligence must remain at the centre of security operations.
He noted that military commanders required reliable intelligence to deploy troops effectively, allocate resources appropriately and respond promptly to emerging threats.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, Buratai said the military confronted significant challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats.
He said the experience demonstrated the importance of innovation, intelligence-led operations and adaptation to changing security environments.
“Our institutions also need to strengthen their networks and collaboration.
“By connecting these institutions and scholars, we can encourage the exchange of knowledge and develop a broader understanding of defence, intelligence and security,” he said.
Buratai commended the authors and contributors to the book for documenting his experiences and contributions to Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
He said the publication would provide useful material for researchers, military professionals and students seeking to understand the country’s security history and evolution.
Dr Sunday Adejo, co-author of the book, described Buratai as a mentor whose influence extended beyond the military to the academic community.
Adejo said his knowledge and interest in military studies had been shaped by his interaction with the retired general, adding that the book was produced to preserve knowledge and experiences that could benefit future generations.
He said Buratai’s leadership contributed to innovations in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, including the establishment of Forward Operating Bases and other measures aimed at bringing military presence closer to communities facing security threats.
Adejo said the foundations laid during Buratai’s tenure contributed to the containment of insurgency and the recovery of territories previously held by Boko Haram.
“Whatever progress we have been able to make as a country in the fight against insurgency is connected to the foundations that were laid during your tenure.
“These includes the containment of the insurgency, the recovery of territories that had been under the control of Boko Haram, and the innovations introduced into military operations, platforms and strategies.
“When we talk about the creation of additional military divisions and other structural developments that we are witnessing today, some of those ideas have their roots in the reforms and innovations undertaken during your tenure,” he said.
Also, another co-author, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, commended Buratai for his contributions to national security, describing him as a leader who successfully brought together the principles of defence, intelligence and statecraft.
Abubakar said the book provided an opportunity to examine Nigeria’s security experiences and draw lessons that could strengthen the country’s response to contemporary threats.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba, Amb. Ben Okoyen, described the publication as a commendable effort to document the experiences of a senior military officer who played a significant role in Nigeria’s security history.
Okoyen expressed hope that the book would stimulate further research and enable future generations to better understand the challenges, decisions and strategies that shaped Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
The event brought together academics, researchers, military professionals and other stakeholders who paid tribute to Buratai’s career and contributions to national security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi