By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Minister of Defence, Lt Gen Christopher Musa (retd), has described the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (retd), as a defining period of strategic reforms that strengthened the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity, professionalism, welfare system and institutional effectiveness.Musa made the remarks in Abuja during the public presentation of Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, a book authored by Dr M. S. Abubakar. He said the publication serves as an important record of a critical phase in the Army’s history, particularly at a time when Nigeria was confronting terrorism, insurgency and other complex security challenges.According to the Defence Minister, Buratai’s years in command were characterised by deliberate investments in training, equipment acquisition, personnel welfare and professional standards, reforms that continue to shape the Nigerian Army. He recalled the former Army Chief’s dedication to frontline operations, noting that Buratai frequently undertook demanding trips to the North East to personally assess military operations and engage troops in the theatre of war.Musa urged serving personnel, security practitioners and leadership scholars to study the book, describing it as more than a historical account. He said it offers practical lessons on sacrifice, institutional development and sustainable leadership, adding that meaningful organisational transformation is achieved through sound policies, discipline and reforms that outlive individual office holders. He also credited Buratai with identifying and mentoring future military leaders, many of whom later rose to occupy strategic positions within the Armed Forces.Speaking at the event, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, argued that Nigeria’s security challenges have roots beyond insurgency and banditry. He said divisive political rhetoric, ethnic and religious polarisation, poverty, unemployment and inadequate education have contributed significantly to insecurity. Sanusi called on governments at all levels to expand economic opportunities for young people and prioritise investments in education, healthcare and job creation to address the underlying causes of instability.The monarch further urged Nigerians to embrace national unity and resist the politicisation of ethnicity, religion and key state institutions. He stressed the importance of preserving the independence and integrity of institutions such as the military, police, judiciary, Central Bank and the media, describing them as essential pillars of democratic governance and national stability.Author of the book, Dr Abubakar, said the publication was the culmination of a decade of research, interviews and field observations that began in 2016 during the height of the counter insurgency campaign against Boko Haram. He explained that the work was intended to document leadership lessons and institutional reforms rather than serve as a tribute to any individual.Abubakar highlighted several initiatives undertaken during Buratai’s tenure, including improvements in troop welfare, the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu, the development of military resource centres and local manufacturing facilities. He noted that the book also examines the integration of kinetic and non kinetic approaches in counter insurgency operations and emphasises the importance of preserving institutional memory for future military leaders.Also contributing to discussions at the event, Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South urged Nigerians to reflect on their collective responsibility in the democratic process, arguing that political leaders emerge from the society that elects them. He called on citizens to take a more active role in promoting accountability and good governance.Former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, Lt Gen Domenico Giani (retd), emphasised that successful security reforms must extend beyond military operations. He said lasting peace depends on strong institutions, civilian protection, intelligence sharing, regional cooperation and socio economic development. According to him, terrorism and violent extremism cannot be defeated through force alone, but require a combination of justice, education, economic opportunities and effective governance.