By Chimezie Godfrey
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has clarified that recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff on collaborators aiding insurgents were widely misinterpreted, stressing that the comments were strictly operational and not political.
Buratai made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television with Seun Okinbaloye, amid growing public debate over the statement.
According to him, the Defence Chief’s comments were made within the context of ongoing military operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where troops are battling insurgent groups such as Boko Haram.
He explained that the term “collaborators” refers to individuals who provide operational support to insurgents, including intelligence, logistics, and supplies, rather than political actors.
“Insurgency relies heavily on support networks within communities. These are the collaborators being referred to, not politicians,” Buratai said.
The former army chief warned that misinterpretation of such statements could create unnecessary tension and distract from the real security challenges on the ground.
He emphasised that identifying and dismantling these support networks remains a critical component of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy.
Buratai also called for improved understanding of military communications by the public and the media, noting that accurate reporting is essential to national security efforts.
He added that insurgency is a complex security challenge requiring coordinated efforts among the military, intelligence agencies, and civilians.