Retired Army Chief, Gen. Tukur Buratai, has cautioned Nigerians against undermining or disrespecting soldiers deployed to combat bandits and insurgents, according to a report by Daily Trust.
During his interview on Channels TV, Buratai defended the sacrifices of the military and condemned those who downplay their role in Nigeria’s survival.
He said: “You cannot demoralise him. If you demoralise him, or you despise him, make things difficult for him, then you are endangering his life and that of his family, and you are endangering the life of the whole of Nigerians.”
The former Army Chief stressed that the military is only one part of a wider solution and cannot singlehandedly end the crisis. But he insisted that soldiers remain indispensable and deserve better welfare and respect from both leaders and citizens.
Buratai explained: “Apart from the military, we have the economic line, we have the social line, we have the political line — very important.” According to him, insecurity is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s politics and worsened by poor economic conditions.
In recent years, troops have faced multiple challenges, including inadequate equipment, unpaid allowances, and high casualty rates. Buratai suggested that demoralising them with criticism only worsens the crisis.
His comments highlight the fragile morale of soldiers battling insurgents daily and the urgent need for Nigeria to balance criticism with support.
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