Ex-Army Chief Buratai Escapes Deadly Ambush by Boko Haram

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Retired Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, narrowly escaped death on Friday following a violent ambush by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

The former military chief, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s anti-insurgency operations, came under heavy gunfire while traveling with a military convoy near a frontline operations base in the volatile North-East region.

The alarming incident, which underscores the growing fragility of security in the area, was disclosed by Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a program on Channels Television aired Sunday evening, Senator Ndume expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security landscape across the nation.

According to the senator, the ambush occurred just outside a military base, and a fierce firefight broke out between the insurgents and the troops escorting General Buratai. While the full extent of casualties remains uncertain, it was reported that several pieces of military hardware were destroyed during the exchange.

“The security situation is alarming,” Ndume warned. “Just two days ago, General Buratai was attacked at a frontline base. His team responded courageously, but the insurgents still managed to inflict significant damage, destroying key military assets.”

Among the equipment targeted and damaged by the assailants were Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), armored tanks, and heavy-duty machine guns. Ndume noted with concern that, in some instances, the insurgents not only destroyed military equipment but also looted arms and machinery, further arming themselves for future attacks.

“The insurgents now move with disturbing ease. They burn down and steal military equipment without much resistance. The situation is gradually spiraling into a full-blown crisis,” he said.

Ndume also used the platform to sound the alarm about the broader national implications of the ongoing unrest. He observed that insecurity is no longer confined to the North-East, as all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria are grappling with varying degrees of violent conflict, criminality, and sabotage.

“In the North-West and North-Central, we face banditry and communal clashes. In the South-East, there’s agitation and unrest. The South-South is battling economic sabotage like oil theft, and even in the North-East, the Boko Haram and ISWAP threats persist. At this point, only the South-West seems relatively stable,” Ndume explained.

The attack on General Buratai has reignited urgent calls for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, especially in the North-East, where insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to operate with brutal impunity.

Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, was a central figure in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign. Even after his retirement, he has remained a prominent and influential voice in the nation’s security affairs.

The near-fatal attack on such a high-profile military figure not only reflects the escalating danger in the region but also exposes the boldness with which insurgents now operate—often challenging even the most secure military installations and convoys.

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