He also called for a gradual transfer of internal security responsibilities from the military to the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps within the next two years, alongside greater investment in intelligence gathering, forensic capabilities and community policing.

Other recommendations include prosecuting political actors found sponsoring violence, dismantling illegal mining and arms-trafficking networks, expanding youth empowerment programmes and implementing a nationwide counter-radicalisation campaign involving religious leaders, schools and the media.

He further advocated the restoration of civilian administration in conflict-affected and ungoverned communities.

"Buratai's advice was never pessimistic. It was realistic," Abdullahi concluded.

"Nigeria must decide whether to continue managing insecurity indefinitely through military deployments or tackle its root causes by rebuilding the state's capacity to govern, police and include its citizens. The second option is more difficult, but it is the only path to lasting peace."