By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

A new book examining the leadership style, institutional reforms and operational strategies of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, during one of Nigeria’s most challenging security periods is set to offer fresh insights into military leadership and national security management.

Titled Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, the book was authored by Mohammed Abubakar and published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd.

The publication provides a scholarly assessment of reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army between 2015 and 2021, a period marked by insurgency, banditry and other complex security threats across the country.

According to the author, the book explores what he describes as “transformational leadership in action,” focusing on how military doctrine, troop training, welfare, morale, logistics and civil-military relations were restructured to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Drawing from military records, policy documents, interviews and extensive research, the work examines the adaptation of the Nigerian Army’s operational doctrine to confront asymmetric threats posed by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

It also reviews reforms in training, logistics, equipment acquisition and command structures aimed at improving the professionalism, responsiveness and operational effectiveness of the Army.

Beyond operational matters, the author analyses the impact of leadership decisions on troop morale, discipline, regimentation and public confidence in the military.

Abubakar argues that the Buratai era offers a significant case study in crisis leadership, highlighting innovations, difficult choices, trade-offs and lessons that can guide future military commanders and public sector leaders.

He noted that the lessons from the period extend beyond military operations, providing broader insights into institution-building, sustaining morale under pressure, implementing reforms during crises and strengthening trust in public institutions.

According to him, the book will serve as a valuable resource for students, researchers and practitioners in leadership, governance, military history and security studies seeking to understand how leadership is tested during periods of national uncertainty.

The book is scheduled for formal presentation on September 16, 2026, at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, where retired senior military officers, academics and security experts are expected to participate in discussions on its findings.

Organisers said the event would provide a platform for critical examination of the book’s conclusions and broader conversations on leadership, security sector reform and national development.