Buratai Survives Deadly Ambush In Borno As Insurgents Attack Convoy

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), narrowly escaped an ambush on Friday when his convoy came under heavy gunfire in Borno State, an incident linked to suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The attack was confirmed by Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, during a Sunday interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.

According to the lawmaker, the assault occurred near a frontline military base where Buratai and his team were reportedly on an official visit.

“Just two days ago, General Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno. His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents destroyed several military assets,” Ndume disclosed.

He added that the attackers targeted high-grade military equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), tanks, and heavy-duty machine guns. In some instances, the insurgents reportedly made away with weapons and other valuable gear.

Ndume painted a grim picture of the security situation in Borno, warning that insurgents now roam with increasing boldness, torching and looting military facilities.

“The situation is deteriorating. This is no longer just an insurgency—it is fast becoming a full-blown crisis,” he warned.

He also raised the alarm over Nigeria’s broader security challenges, saying that all six geopolitical zones are grappling with varying degrees of violence and instability.

“From banditry in the North-West to oil theft in the South-South, only the South-West seems relatively calm at the moment,” Ndume said.

The attack on Buratai, who served as Army Chief from 2015 to 2021 and played a key role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts, has reignited calls for sweeping reform of the nation’s security architecture. Though retired, Buratai remains a prominent voice in Nigeria’s security and defense circles.