Buhari’s Chief of Army Chief Buratai escapes death narrowly from Boko Haram’s attack in Borno
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), on Friday narrowly escaped death, after his convoy came under a heavy gunfire attack by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram in Borno State.
This was disclosed by the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening.
According to Ndume, the former COAS retired in company with his soldiers were ambushed near a frontline military base in Borno State.
While details on casualties remain unclear, Ndume disclosed that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and the troops escorting Buratai.
He said l, “We are in a dire security situation. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the frontline operations base in Borno.
“His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets.”
According to him, the attackers reportedly targeted high-value equipment including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns.
“In some cases the insurgents not only destroy these assets but also cart away weaponry and equipment.
“The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly.
“Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis,” the Senator added.
Ndume also used the opportunity to paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s broader security landscape. He noted that violent conflict, banditry, and sabotage have extended across the nation.
“All six geopolitical zones are experiencing security challenges to varying degrees.
“Even in the South-South, we are grappling with economic sabotage like oil theft. At this point, the South-West appears to be the only relatively safe region,” Ndume said.
The attack on Buratai comes amidst renewed calls for a more aggressive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture. With particular emphasis in the troubled North-East where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to operate with deadly impunity.
Recall that Buratai served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021. During his time, he was a central figure in the country’s counterinsurgency campaign.
Since his retirement, he has remained an influential figure in security circles.
