By: Joy Musa
Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), narrowly escaped death following a deadly ambush by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, reliable sources confirmed.
The attack, which occurred over the weekend along a volatile route in northern Borno, targeted a convoy that included the retired General. According to eyewitness accounts and confirmation from sources, the ambush resulted in the destruction of several military vehicles and the looting of sensitive equipment by the terrorists.
Though full details remain sketchy, the assault reportedly led to intense firefight between the insurgents and military personnel escorting the former Army chief. It remains unclear how many casualties, if any, were recorded during the incident. Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s top military officer from 2015 to 2021 and later as Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, was reported to have escaped unharmed.
“All I can say for now is that General Buratai is safe. It was a serious ambush and some of our men were affected,” Sources, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, told journalists. “This should alarm all Nigerians. We cannot continue like this. There is an urgent need for comprehensive security reform.”
Efforts by reporters to reach the retired General for comments proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Military authorities have also not issued an official statement on the incident.
The attack underscores the persistent and evolving threat posed by Boko Haram and its splinter factions in Nigeria’s North-East, despite years of counterinsurgency efforts and billions spent on defense operations. Insecurity in the region continues to claim lives, displace thousands, and hinder socio-economic development.
Security experts have described the ambush as a bold statement by insurgents who appear to be regaining strength. “Targeting a high-profile figure like General Buratai sends a chilling message about the state of security in the region,” said Retired Security Personal, a security analyst based in Abuja.
With this latest incident, pressure is mounting on the President Tinubu APC led Administration and the military hierarchy to reevaluate ongoing counterterrorism strategies and implement urgent reforms aimed at restoring peace and stability across affected regions.
