Buratai Warns of Rising Instability in West Africa, Urges Joint Security Action

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has raised alarm over growing insecurity and political instability in West Africa, calling for urgent and coordinated regional action to prevent further deterioration.

Speaking at the 24th annual symposium marking the 43rd memorial anniversary of Aminu Kano in Kano on Friday, Buratai said the resurgence of military coups and transnational crimes poses a serious threat to democratic governance and regional peace.

Delivering his remarks as Chairman of the Occasion, the retired general noted that terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and maritime crimes have continued to spread across borders, making unilateral responses ineffective.

“No nation can secure itself alone,” he said. “These threats are regional in nature and demand intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and sustained collaboration.”
Buratai, who previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, stressed that the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remains critical despite current challenges.

He cautioned that unconstitutional changes of government in parts of the region represent a setback to democratic progress and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

“When the ballot is silenced, the ordinary people suffer the most,” he said.

The former army chief, however, expressed optimism that stronger commitment from member states could reposition ECOWAS as an effective platform for collective security and stability.

He also urged security agencies across the region to deepen trust and professionalism in tackling shared threats.

The symposium, held at Mambayya House, brought together stakeholders from academia, government, and civil society to deliberate on regional peace and development.