Ex Army chief, Buratai escapes Boko Haram attack in Borno

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), narrowly survived a deadly ambush on Friday when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked his convoy near a military base in Borno State

The incident was revealed by Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday. Ndume said the retired general and his escort team came under heavy gunfire near a frontline operations base.

“We are in a dire security situation,” the senator said. “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.”

The attackers reportedly targeted high-value equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and heavy weaponry. Some of the equipment, according to Ndume, was stolen by the insurgents.

While the extent of casualties remains unclear, the incident has deepened concerns over worsening insecurity in the North-East, where Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters continue to launch brazen assaults.

Ndume painted a grim picture of the country’s overall security, warning that every region—except parts of the South-West—is battling varying degrees of violence, including banditry and economic sabotage.

“The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly,” he said. “Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It’s becoming a full-blown crisis.”

Buratai, who led Nigeria’s army from 2015 to 2021, was a key figure in the fight against insurgency. Though retired, he continues to be active in national security affairs. The attack has reignited calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.

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