Boko Haram Attacks Ex-Chief of Army Staff, Buratai Convoy in Borno

Boko Haram Attacks Ex-Chief of Army Staff, Buratai Convoy in Borno

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), narrowly escaped death on Friday when his convoy came under heavy gunfire in Borno State.

The ambush, reportedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, has intensified concerns over the worsening security crisis in the North-East region.

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed the incident during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday night.

According to the senator, Buratai and the soldiers in his convoy were attacked near a frontline military base.

While casualty figures have not been confirmed, Ndume revealed that a gun battle broke out between the assailants and troops escorting the former army chief.

“We are in a dire security situation. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno.

His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets,” he said.

Reports indicate that the insurgents targeted critical military hardware including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks and mounted machine guns. Ndume further noted that in some instances, these insurgents not only destroy the assets but also steal weapons 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,” he added.

He also highlighted the spread of insecurity beyond the North-East, describing a nationwide threat ranging from violent conflict and banditry to economic sabotage.

“All six geopolitical zones are experiencing security challenges to varying degrees.

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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,” he said.

The attack on Buratai has sparked renewed calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security framework, especially in light of Boko Haram and ISWAP’s persistent activities in the region.

Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, played a key role in the nation’s counterinsurgency operations. Despite his retirement, he remains a prominent figure in the national security landscape.