Buratai Says True Service To Nigeria Requires Courage, Sacrifice And Institutional Reform
Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), CFR, has described Taking a Bullet for the State by Hajiya Mariam Yaro as an outstanding contribution to Nigeria’s discourse on governance, institutional reform and national security, saying the book provides a practical blueprint for building a more resilient nation.
Buratai made the remarks in Abuja while reviewing the book, where he praised the author for combining personal experience, policy insight and practical recommendations into what he described as an essential guide for public servants, policymakers and development practitioners.
According to the retired Army Chief, although he initially expected a survival memoir, the publication turned out to be “a strategic document on institutional reform, a meditation on the meaning of service, and an unflinching examination of what it truly costs to build a nation in fragile times.”
He commended Hajiya Mariam Yaro for demonstrating exceptional courage after surviving an armed attack in Zamfara State on January 21, 2024, noting that she resumed public service shortly after recovering from the gunshot injury instead of allowing the traumatic experience to define her future.
Buratai likened her resilience to that of Nigerian soldiers who return to the battlefield despite personal injuries because of their commitment to duty.
He recalled an incident during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff when a battalion commander wounded during an ambush returned to lead his troops within days after treatment, describing both stories as examples of leadership built on sacrifice rather than personal comfort.
“The same refusal to let personal suffering override institutional responsibility is evident in Mariam Yaro’s story. Leadership is not about titles; it is about showing up when showing up costs you something,” Buratai stated.
The former Army Chief stressed that national security extends beyond military operations, insisting that effective governance, economic inclusion and citizens’ confidence in government institutions remain essential components of lasting peace.
Drawing from the book, Buratai said the author accurately examined the structural causes of insecurity in Zamfara, including illegal mining, rural poverty and weak governance systems that create opportunities for criminal networks and armed groups.
He noted that the author’s efforts in attracting investment, formalising mining operations and promoting economic empowerment complement military efforts to restore peace.
According to him, such non-kinetic interventions are indispensable for sustaining gains achieved through security operations.
Buratai also highlighted the book’s emphasis on the strategic role of women in peacebuilding and community stability, describing women’s economic empowerment as a national security imperative rather than merely a social intervention.
He praised Hajiya Mariam Yaro’s initiative that provided financial literacy training to over 1,300 women, saying economically empowered women strengthen household resilience and reduce the vulnerability of communities to criminal recruitment.
The retired General lamented that despite the critical role women play in stabilising communities, they remain largely excluded from formal governance and security structures.
On policy implementation, Buratai argued that Nigeria’s challenge lies not in the absence of sound policies but in weak execution.
He said the book correctly identified the persistent gap between policy formulation and implementation, urging government institutions to focus on budget integration, inter-agency coordination and institutional accountability to achieve sustainable reforms.
He observed that the strategic recommendations contained in the publication are practical and directly applicable to governance at both state and national levels.
Describing the book as a call to public service, Buratai said genuine leadership demands courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to building institutions that will outlive individual officeholders.
He concluded that Taking a Bullet for the State is a timely publication that challenges Nigerians to embrace responsible leadership and national service.
According to him, the book demonstrates that governance is fundamentally a moral responsibility, inclusion remains central to national security, and meaningful reform is the only sustainable pathway to peace and development.
Buratai added that Hajiya Mariam Yaro’s story reflects the same spirit of dedication and patriotism he witnessed throughout his military career, noting that her work offers valuable lessons for present and future leaders committed to nation-building.
