Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), narrowly escaped death after his convoy was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, according to Senator Ali Ndume.
The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District made the revelation during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening. He disclosed that the attack occurred near a frontline military base and involved a fierce exchange of gunfire between the insurgents and troops escorting the retired general.
“We are in a dire security situation,” Ndume 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.”
Although casualty figures remain unclear, Ndume confirmed that the attackers targeted high-value military equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and heavy machine guns. He added that, in some cases, the insurgents not only destroyed the equipment but also looted weaponry and supplies.
“The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly,” Ndume warned. “Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis.”
The senator also used the opportunity to highlight the broader state of insecurity in Nigeria, pointing to the spread of violent conflict, banditry, and economic sabotage across all six geopolitical zones.
“Even in the South-South, we are grappling with issues like oil theft,” he said. “At this point, the South-West appears to be the only relatively safe region.”
The attack on Buratai comes amid renewed calls for an overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in the North-East where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to operate with increasing boldness.
Buratai Not Attacked, Celebrated Eid Peacefully in Abuja – Sani
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), former Director of Army Public Relations, issued a strongly worded rebuttal, labeling the reports as “false, mischievous, and utterly baseless.”
According to the statement, Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and holds the traditional titles of Betara of Biu and Garkuwan Keffi, has remained in Abuja, where he peacefully celebrated the Eid al-Adha festivities with family, friends, and well-wishers.
Read Full Statement
DISREGARD FAKE NEWS: HIS EXCELLENCY LT GEN TY BURATAI (RTD) CFR, BETARA OF BIU, IS SAFE AND CELEBRATED EID IN ABUJA
In light of the recent mischievous and utterly false reports circulating on certain online platforms, I wish to categorically state that His Excellency Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, Betara of Biu, Garkuwan Keffi, former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, was not attacked in any way, contrary to what has been falsely reported by some online media outlets.
For the avoidance of doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja, in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers, and I have remained within the Federal Capital Territory since then.
This baseless rumour is a product of the reckless imagination of the purveyors of fake news, individuals whose sole aim is to malign him, spread fear, confusion and misinformation. The fabricators of these actions are not only mischievous but also deeply irresponsible and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
I sincerely extend my heartfelt and profound appreciation to the countless patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians, friends, associates and admirers of His Excelkency, who reached out with genuine concern, prayers and goodwill. Your overwhelming show of love and support is deeply cherished and speaks volumes about the enduring respect and affection we are privileged to receive from across the country and beyond.
Let this serve as a reminder to the harbingers of fake news, that truth will always prevail. No amount of falsehood or malicious propaganda can tarnish the image of a man who has devoted his life to the service of our great nation.
SK Usman mni fnipr
Abuja
Monday 9th June 2025
Buratai served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 and played a central role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts.
