Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), narrowly escaped death on Friday after his convoy was ambushed by gunmen believed to be Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State. The incident has reignited concerns over the worsening security crisis in Nigeria’s North-East.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, disclosed the attack during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday. According to him, the ambush took place near a frontline military base, where Buratai and the soldiers accompanying him came under intense fire.
Although the number of casualties has not been confirmed, a heavy exchange of gunfire reportedly broke out between the attackers and the military personnel guarding Buratai.
“We are facing a very serious security challenge. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at a front operations base in Borno. His team responded bravely, but the insurgents still managed to destroy some key military assets,” Ndume said.
The attackers allegedly targeted advanced military hardware, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), tanks, and heavy machine guns. In some cases, they are said to have stolen equipment in addition to causing destruction.
Ndume warned that the security situation in Borno is spiraling out of control. “Insurgents now roam freely, looting and destroying military installations. This is fast becoming a full-blown crisis,” he stated.
Expanding on the broader national security outlook, Ndume pointed out that every part of Nigeria is now dealing with some form of violent unrest or criminal activity. “All six geopolitical zones are grappling with insecurity,” he said. “From terrorism and banditry to economic sabotage like oil theft in the South-South. Right now, only the South-West seems relatively calm.”
The attack on Buratai highlights the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups in the North-East, despite years of counterinsurgency operations. Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, played a major role in leading military efforts against Boko Haram and ISWAP. Since his retirement, he has continued to be active in national security matters.
The ambush has further intensified public calls for urgent reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, especially in regions plagued by insurgent activity.