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Tag: Tukur Buratai

  • Buratai was never attacked by terrorists – Aide

    Buratai was never attacked by terrorists – Aide

    Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has dismissed the report that he was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by his spokesman and former army spokesman, Retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on Monday, in Abuja.

    Usman described the purpoted report of attack on the general as “mischievous and utterly false.”

    According to him, the former army chief was not attacked in any way contrary to what has been falsely reported by some online media outlets.

    He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers, has 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.”

    Usman accused the fabricators of the fake news of not only being 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 Excellency, who reached out with genuine concerns, 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,” he said.

    Usman reminded those he referred to as harbingers of fake news, that truth would always prevail.

    According to him, no amount of falsehood or malicious propaganda can tarnish the image of a man who had devoted his life to the service of this great nation.

  • Ex-Army chief, Buratai escapes death as Boko Haram attack convoy

    Ex-Army chief, Buratai escapes death as Boko Haram attack convoy

    Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai (retd) a former Chief of Army Staff, reportedly escaped death on Friday after suspected Boko Haram insurgents engaged his convoy in a heavy gunfire attack in Borno State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the lawmaker representing Borno, Senator Ali Ndume, made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, June 8, 2025 where he highlighted the escalating insecurity in the Northern region.

    According to the lawmaker, the retired army general and his accompanying soldiers were ambushed near a frontline military base. He added that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and the troops escorting Buratai.

    He said, “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.” 

    According to Ndume, the attackers reportedly targeted high-value equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns.

    The insurgents not only destroy these assets, but they also steal weaponry and equipment. Violent conflict, banditry, and sabotage have spread across the nation.

    He remarked, “The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly. Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis.

    “All six geopolitical zones are experiencing security challenges to varying degrees.

    “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.”

  • How I confronted insurgency as COAS – Buratai

    How I confronted insurgency as COAS – Buratai

    Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, says winning hearts and minds of the North East populace was a major step taken by the Army that turned the tables against insurgents during his time.

    Buratai, who is the immediate past Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

    He said that the people also realised that President Muhammadu Buhari was passionate about restoring peace and stability to Borno and the entire North-East region.

    He said that there was also the reinvigoration of joint civil-military operations, composed of all operational formations of the Services.

    According to him, the operation had a central coordination Headquarters which also coordinated civil and humanitarian activities.

    “It assists the joint force commander in humanitarian or national-assistance operations, theater campaigns or civil-military operations occurring concurrently,” he said.

    Buratai urged the military to be resilient and never succumb to the threats of insurgents, terrorists, separatists, kidnappers or armed robbers.

    He said the major trick of the terrorists was to instill fear in the minds of people so much so that the people would be afraid to go to their farms, businesses or send their children to school.

    “We must all take a stand and show that we are not with the insurgents and the terrorists.

    “What the military is doing is fighting for the safety of the people, the military is there to protect and defend the people.

    “The military is not just fighting the terrorists on their own, they are there because of the people. This war is a people’s war, and not just a military thing.

    “Therefore, we must all get involved, be resilient, provide timely and credible intelligence and avoid any action that will disrupt the peace.

    “We have a duty to ensure that we entrench peace right from our homes. We must also know what every member of our community is engaged in,” he said.

    On military tactics, Buratai said the military always evaluated and changed their tactics to adapt to new challenges posed by the insurgents and terrorists, hence the defeat of the terrorists and insurgents.

    He called on locals to support the military with credible and timely information and prayers instead of meaningless and incessant criticism that were capable of killing morale of troops and their commanders.

    Buratai urged the military to maintain their tempo of operations and keep up the aggressive assaults, as well as enhance collaboration and synergy with other sister agencies.

    “You must understand that the military is not a one man show; even when I was in service, I worked with a team, and I am happy to say that many of them are still in service.

    “The current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the COAS served directly under me as Theater Commanders of Operation Lafiya Dole, now Hadin Kai.

    “By and large, I will say that they are doing well. Whatever little success we were able to achieve during my tenure, we did it together, it was a collective effort.

    “Thumbs up to the Nigerian military, the CDS and the Service Chiefs. I commend the Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. They are doing a great job. This is why the terrorists have been surrendering to the government.

    “Over 100,000 have surrendered and many more are coming out,” he said.

    On negotiation with terrorists and bandits, the former COAS said it was not the responsibility of the military to suggest, initiate or directly partake in dialogue or negotiations with terrorists and bandits.

    “But the military can force the terrorists, bandits, insurgents to surrender and accept negotiated terms favourable to the legitimate authority, which is the government.

    “I tell you towards the last half of 2020, the bandits were calling for negotiations through some prominent individuals.

    “This was as a result of the pressure mounted on the bandits. Many of their fighters, collaborators, logistic suppliers and informants were neutralised, captured or had escaped out of the country for safety.

    “Negotiation, dialogue and amnesty are civil authorities’ responsibilities. This should be the last option which I preach in my present capacity because the terrorists and bandits have been subdued.

    “Much more details will be coming out in my memoire in the future by the grace of God,” he said.

    On the 2023 general elections, Buratai urged the military to stick to their constitutional role and remain apolitical even when they are called in to assist the civil police at some point.

  • Tukur Buratai: Report on seizure of cash, inaccurate – ICPC

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has described as inaccurate reports that the commission raided a property allegedly belonging to former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

    This is contained in a statement by the Spokesperson for the ICPC, Mrs Azuka Ogugua, on Friday.

    “The attention of the commission has been drawn to some inaccurate and concocted reports in the media about the seizure of multibillion-naira cash, dollars, Rolex watches stockpiled in an Abuja property.

    “The commission wishes to state that ICPC operatives raided a property in Wuse II of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on June 16, in suspicion of money laundering.

    “Facts available for the time being indicates that the property is owned by K Salam Construction Company, a military contractor.

    “The commission recovered money and other items from the property viz. N175,706,500; 220,965 dollars; G-Wagon; 2022 editions of BMW and Mercedes Benz cars; customized mobile phones; several designer wrist watches, including three Rolexes, and some property documents.

    “The commission arrested the Managing Director of K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Mr Kabiru Sallau and investigation is ongoing.

    “The commission is yet to conclude its investigation and prefers not to preempt its outcome and also avoid the frenzy of a media trial, ” the ICPC said.

  • 2023: Ex-COAS, Buratai drums support for Amaechi in Bauchi

    2023: Ex-COAS, Buratai drums support for Amaechi in Bauchi

    As the consultations with delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country by Presidential Aspirant and former Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi continue to attract high profile support, a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has endorsed the former Minister, stating that his loyalty and love for Nigeria and humanity is unmatched.

    Gen. Buratai who is currently, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, gave this endorsement at a parley with delegates of the APC in Bauchi, Wednesday night, when he and other dignitaries accompanied the Presidential hopeful, Chibuike Amaechi to solicit delegates’ support in Bauchi ahead of the party’s primaries.

    Burutai stated that he was spurred to give his support to Amaechi due to his outstanding profile and vast experience in governance.

    He said, “You can see from the introduction, the experience of our Presidential aspirant. The profile of Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is quite intimidating. He has proven to be a sound administrator, a versatile leader, a good strategist and a politician per excellence, who has shown good qualities in all areas he had worked. As Speaker, as Governor, as Minister and also first among equals during his tenure as Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, as well as the dexterity and the quality of the campaign (for President Buhari) that he led on two occasions. That is why I am giving him my full support.

    “He did that diligently with all his determination, loyalty and of course with love for Nigeria and love for humanity irrespective of what religion you belong to. This is quite commendable, that’s why he’s here today to solicit for your votes. From what you have heard about him, I believe you know that he’s the man of the moment. He is the right choice. So, I urge you to make the right choice and vote for him,” Buratai said.

    Addressing the delegates, Amaechi said he is the only aspirant in the party with impressive records that would defeat the opposition party. He urged the delegates to vote for him for the overall benefit of all Nigerians.

    According to him, “This is the moment of decision. For twenty two years I have held public office, as Speaker, as Governor and as Minister. And in all of these, you will see my footprint. There’s a railway construction going on from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. It includes Bauchi and it’s called the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway. If you vote for me, that project will be completed and it will create employment. So vote for me, make me the candidate of the party. I doubt that the other aspirants have the capacity to defeat me, If you vote for me I will defeat PDP.”

    Earlier, at a visit to the Emir of Bauchi, HRM Dr. Rilwan Suleiman Adamu, Amaechi used the occasion to re-emphasize his commitment to deliver on infrastructure and tackle insecurity if elected.

    “Your Highness, I am here to seek for your blessings, to appeal to the Bauchi delegates to give me their votes on the day of the primaries, because there is no aspirant in our party that is as prepared as I am to be the President of Nigeria.

    “I have the energy, I have the capability, I have the knowledge and the strength to be the President of Nigeria. I have the experience of what the problems are and what the solutions should be and I’m seeking your support to provide solutions to those problems.

    “One of the things I did to fight militancy in Port Harcourt was to create employment. I will introduce agricultural programmes to create jobs for the people. I will provide infrastructure in Bauchi, I am full of experience, If you vote for me I will chase the criminals away. I did it in Port Harcourt and Rivers State and I am prepared to do it again. I will do my best to restore security in the country. Please tell your people to vote for me and I will bring that experience to bear, Amaechi said.

  • BREAKING: Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army

    BREAKING: Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has approved new postings/deployment and appointments of 37 Generals and five Colonels to different formations and units in his effort to rekindle the spirit of professionalism in Nigerian Army (NA).

    The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Musa said that the posting which was approved by Buratai was a routine/normal exercise intended to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and efficiency.

    The major highlights of the postings include – the postings and appointments of Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor from Defence Headquarters Department of Training and Operations to Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Minna as Commander.

    Maj.-Gen. FO Agugo was redeployed from 6 Division NA Port Harcourt to Headquarters NA Signal Corps Apapa Lagos as Corps Commander Signals, while Maj.-Gen. M Mohammed was moved from Signal Corps Apapa Lagos to Office of the COAS as Special Adviser NA University Biu.

    Also, Maj.-Gen. AM Dikko was moved from Administrative Staff College of Nigerian Badagry to NA Training Centre Kontagora as Commander, while Maj.-Gen. US Yakubu moves from Corps of Artillery Kontagora to Army Headquarters Abuja (AHQ) as Chief of Administration (Army).

    Maj.-Gen. BO Sawyer moves from AHQ Department of Policy and Plans to NA Armour School Bauchi as Commandant, Maj.-Gen. IO Uzamere was redeployed from NA College of Logistics Lagos to AHQ as Chief of Logistics (Army).

    Also, Maj.-Gen. JO Irefin has been redeployed from Headquarters 81 Division Lagos to Headquarters 6 Division Port Harcourt and appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), while Maj.Gen. JO Akomolafe moves from Headquarters NA Armour Corps Bauchi to DHQ Abuja as Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluatmove

    Others according to Musa are Maj.-Gen. CO Ude from NA Resource Centre Abuja to DHQ as Chief of Defence Training and Operations, while Maj -Gen HR Momoh moves from Defence Space Administration Abuja to AHQ as Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans/ Director Special Duties, Policy and Plans.

    Maj.-Gen. AT Hamman has been moved from DHQ to AHQ Garrison as Commander, Maj.- Gen. OA Akinyemi moves from Administrative Staff College of Nigeria to Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Oshodi Lagos as Deputy Commandant.

    Maj.-Gen. MH Magaji was redeployed from NA Amour School to Headquarters NA Armour Corps as Commander, while Maj.-Gen. MA Masanawa moves from DHQ to NA Ordinance School Lagos as Commandant.

    Maj.-Gen. JI Unuigbe has been redeployed from AHQ Department of Logistics to DHQ Chief of Defence Logistics, Maj.-Gen JGK Myam the erstwhile Commander AHQ Garrison Abuja is now the Commander NA Corps of Artillery.

    Also, Maj.-Gen. GA Umelo has been redeployed from AHQ Department of Training and Operations to Headquarters 81 Division as GOC, while Maj.-Gen. SE Udounwa moves from AHQ Department of Policy and Plans to Army War College Abuja as Commandant.

    Maj.-Gen. MO Enendu from Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre moves to NA College of Logistics as Commandant, while Maj.-Gen. GS Abdullahi moves from DHQ to Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria as Director General.

    Maj.-Gen. BN Salami has been redeployed from NA School of Supply and Transport to Headquarters NA Corps of Supply and Transport as Commander.

    Others affected are Maj.-Gen. FO Omoigui from AHQ Department of Training and Operations to Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri as Deputy Theater Commander, while Maj.-Gen. IO Ehiorobo moves from NA School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering to Headquarters NA as Commander, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

    Maj.-Gen. KI Mukhtar moves from AHQ Department of Administration to the Depot NA Zaria as Commandant, the erstwhile Commandant Army War College Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. C Ofoche has been redeployed to AHQ Department of Policy and Plans as Director Plans.

    Maj.-Gen. AB Ibrahim was moved from AHQ Department of Training and Operations to Defence Space Administration as Director Support Services, while Brig.-Gen. IO Adewa was appointed as Acting Managing Director at NA Properties Limited.

    Similarly, Brig.-Gen. KA Kazir has been posted from Headquarters NA Engineers to Headquarters 43 Engineers Brigade as Commander, while Brig.-Gen. MU Abdullahi moves from NA Intelligence and Cyber Warfare School to 58 Signal Brigade as Commander.

    Brig.-Gen. MB Dala moves from Army Resource Centre to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna as Director Exams, Brig.-Gen. BR Sinjen moves from Headquarters NA Corps of Artillery to AHQ Department of Training and Operations as Acting Director of Operations.

    Also, Brig.-Gen. SI Igbinomwanhia was redeployed from 7 Division Garrison Maiduguri to AHQ Department of Training and Operations as Acting Director Campaign Plan, while Brig.-Gen. HG Tafida moves from AHQ Department of Logistics to NA School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as Acting Commandant.

    Brig.-Gen. AO Arogbofa moves from 102 Division Equipment Support to AHQ Department of Logistics as Acting Director Equipment Maintenance, Brig.-Gen. EC Lot from Land Forces Simulation Centre to Headquarters 52 Signal Brigade as Commander.

    Others appointments according to Army spokesperson are, Col. B Sarki from Defence Intelligence College to 6 Military Intelligence Brigade as Acting Commander, while Col. KO Ogunsoya moves from DHQ to Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations as Chief of Staff.

    While the erstwhile spokesperson for Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Col. Timothy Antigha moves to Defence Headquarters as Acting Executive Director Armed Forces Radio, Col. Mohammed Dole moves from Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations to Headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena as Military Public Information Officer.

    Also, Col. AF Maimagani remains in Headquarters Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic) as Acting Director Chaplain.

    According Musa, all the postings and appointments take effect from July 20, 2020.

    “While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Buhari holds closed door meeting with Chief of Army Staff

    JUST IN: Buhari holds closed door meeting with Chief of Army Staff

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed door with Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The agenda of the meeting between the President and Buratai was unknown as at the time of filing this report.

    However, it was gathered that the Chief of Army Staff would use the opportunity of the meeting to update the president on his recent mission to the battle fields in the North East.

    Buratai had in April relocated to the North-East to coordinate the ongoing war against the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province terrorists by the Nigerian troops.

    Buratai, who lost his biological mother while battling the Boko Haram insurgents at Sambisa forest, returned to Abuja on Sunday to brief the president on the progress report so far.

  • 2019: Army makes vow ahead of polls

    The Nigerian Army has vowed to sanction any personnel found culpable of committing any electoral malpractice during the coming general elections.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai disclosed this during his visit to the Nigerian Army Corps Signals in Lagos to inaugurate some buildings while also attending the corps’ reunion party which ended late on Saturday.

    Buratai, represented by the Chief of Logistics, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, said all personnel must remain professional and apolitical during the coming General Elections.

    “All officers and soldiers must remain apolitical and exhibit exceptional professionalism in the forthcoming tasks.

    “You must report any unwholesome activities up the chain of command once it is beyond your powers of command.

    “The full weight of the Armed Forces Act will be visited on any personnel found culpable of committing any electoral malpractice.”

    He said that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide military aid to civilian authorities to guarantee security of the nation.

    “We will support the Independent Electoral Commission, the Nigerian Police and other security agencies in concluding a successful election.’’

    While inauguration the new quarters for officers and senior non-commissioned officers, Buratai said he remained committed to providing infrastructure to motivate personnel.

    “This is a further validation of my vision of providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to motivate Nigerian Army personnel in the discharge of their professional duties.

    “As you are aware, the Nigerian Army and indeed the nation is beset by a plethora of security challenges that have tasked our resources, ingenuity and resilience.

    “Despite these, the welfare of troops remains priority in all my considerations and actions.

    “My conviction is that a well motivated force, even with scare resources, can vanquish any external or internal foe.’’

    He pledged to undertake infrastructure projects in all army barracks to enhance the working and living conditions of officers and men.

    “For the officers and soldiers that would occupy these new blocks, you are enjoined to maintain these properties as you would your personal property.

    “You must maintain the highest standard of general hygiene and the internal and external aesthetic of these buildings.’’

    The COAS commended all the officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army Signals for their excellent professionalism in providing reliable and robust communication support to ongoing Nigerian Army operations, particularly, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    “Your static and mobile communication platforms have greatly served as force multipliers in our operations against the various terrorist and criminal threats facing the country.

    “It has also facilitated my command and control of the entire Nigerian Army.

    “For the first time in the history of the Nigerian Army operations, the usual recourse to blame communications support for unsuccessful operations is no longer tenable.’’

    Buratai thanked the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for his unrelenting support to the army and belief in its capability to defeat all aggressions against the nation.

    Earlier, the Commander, Nigerian Army Signals, Maj.-Gen. Clement Olukoju, said that the newly constructed six blocks of flats consisted of two blocks for officers and four for senior non-commissioned officers.

    “The two officers’ blocks have a total of 16 one-bedroom flat while those for senior non-commissioned officers consist of 40, two-bedroom flats,’’ Olukoju said.

    The corps also had its West African Social Activities (WASA) and reunion party.

    The event was attended by retired and serving military senior officers, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin.

     

  • Security situation in the country under control, says COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the security situation in the country is under control.
    Buratai gave the assurance while addressing 250 officers and soldeirs of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, who are in course at Kachia in Kaduna State.
    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that, the army chief was on operational visit to the school and other army facilities in the area.
    “The measure put in place in tackling security challenges across the country are yielding positive results.
    “The Nigerian army remain committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the country.”
    He assured the troops of the Army’s commitment towards providing operational facilities of international standard as well as conducive environment for enhanced professionalism.
    Buratai charged instructors to impart the desired training to the troops, and called on officers and men of the corps to uphold high standards of discipline.
    Also the army chief, paid a courtsey visit to the paramount ruler of Kachia, Agom Adara, Dr Maiwada Galadima.
    He commended Kachia community for the warm hospitality it has accorded Army formations in the area over the years.
    Buratai explained that the warm relationship that has existed between the Army and the community is commendable, and solicited for more support and cooperation towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.
    He expressed delight to the chiefdom for preserving plots of land belonging to the Nigerian Army and urged the traditional ruler to look into the issue of encroachment in some areas.
    Responding, the Agom Adara, Dr Galadima,commend the Army chief for identifying with the chiefdom.
    The paramount ruler attributed the peace currently enjoyed in the chiefdom to the presence of army formations in the area, assuring the Army chief that no land belonging to the Army was encroached upon.
    He appealed to the Nigerian Army to adequately compensate land owners acquired by Army.

  • JUST IN: Buratai in Bayelsa for 16 Brigade Barracks ground breaking [PHOTOS]

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai today visited Bayelsa state for the ground breaking of 16 Brigade Barracks.

    Commending the State Governor Seriake Dickson, Buratai said Dickson has restored peace and stability to Bayelsa.