Boko Haram Ambushes Ex-Army Chief Buratai, Destroys Military Equipment
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), narrowly escaped an ambush in Borno State on Friday after suspected Boko Haram insurgents opened fire on his convoy.
The incident, which occurred near a frontline military base, was disclosed by the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics on Sunday.
According to Ndume, the retired general was accompanied by military personnel when they came under heavy attack from insurgents. A fierce gun battle reportedly ensued between the assailants and Buratai’s escort team.
“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,” Ndume revealed.
He noted that the attackers targeted strategic military equipment including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), tanks, and heavy machine guns. In some cases, the terrorists not only destroyed assets but also made away with vital weapons and equipment.
Describing the worsening state of security in the region, the senator said: “The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly. Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis.”
Ndume also painted a broader picture of the national security crisis, stating that insecurity had spread across all six geopolitical zones of the country. He highlighted the growing threat of banditry, terrorism, and sabotage nationwide.
“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 added.
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