Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, says the federal government knows individuals funding terrorism in the country.
Buratai spoke on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He urged the government to act against the financiers instead of merely naming them.
“The government knows where the source came from. We have other agencies that are responsible,” he said.
“It’s not a matter of mentioning names. Authorities should act against all those involved. We see these people working in society today, and we know them.”
The former army chief added that agencies already have relevant documents and intelligence reports. He said those responsible for prosecution are fully aware of the situation.
Buratai also warned that insurgency may persist longer than expected, despite earlier claims that terrorists had been technically defeated.
He said he raised concerns before leaving office, stressing that the threat goes beyond military action.
“This is a cankerworm, and it may persist much longer than we assume,” he said.
He emphasised that tackling insecurity requires a “whole-of-society” approach, as outlined in the national security strategy.
According to him, the military cannot solve the problem alone without support from other sectors.
“It’s not just the military’s responsibility. The government must improve infrastructure, create jobs, and address social and economic issues,” he said.
Buratai said development efforts — including roads, rail, and basic amenities — play a key role in reducing insecurity.
He also questioned whether authorities sustained earlier efforts to implement such strategies.
“It’s not too late. We need to return to that whole-of-society approach,” he said.
He further noted that authorities have yet to prosecute some suspected terrorists and detainees, raising concerns about accountability.
“There are still people arrested for several years who are yet to be prosecuted,” he said.
