Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd), narrowly escaped death on Friday after his convoy came under heavy gunfire in Borno State. The incident occurred during a visit to the volatile northeastern region, which has long been plagued by insurgency and militant violence.
The attack took place as Buratai’s convoy was traveling along a road near Biu, a town located in southern Borno. According to credible security sources, the ambush was sudden and intense, involving sustained gunfire from suspected insurgents who targeted the motorcade.
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Members of the convoy, including security personnel, immediately responded to the threat, engaging the attackers in a gunfight that lasted several minutes. The swift response reportedly prevented what could have been a deadly outcome. Buratai was unharmed in the incident, though some vehicles in the convoy were damaged by bullets.
As of Saturday morning, there had been no official claim of responsibility for the attack. However, the region is known to host elements of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have carried out ambushes, bombings, and targeted killings in the past. Borno State remains one of the most insecure areas in Nigeria, with frequent reports of violent attacks against both civilians and security forces.
Sources close to Buratai confirmed that he was in the area on a private visit, though the specifics of the trip were not disclosed. They added that he is safe and currently receiving protection at a secured location. Nigerian military authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but investigations are ongoing.
Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, played a prominent role in the federal government’s military campaign against insurgents in the Northeast. After his retirement, he was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin, a position he held until 2023.
This latest attack highlights the persistent security challenges in Borno and other parts of northern Nigeria. Despite claims by government officials in recent years that insurgents have been “technically defeated,” ambushes such as this continue to demonstrate the ongoing threat posed by armed groups operating in the region.
Local residents reported hearing gunfire during the confrontation and expressed concern about the security situation in the area. Some have called for increased military presence and better intelligence to prevent future attacks on public figures and civilians alike.
Security analysts note that the attack on a high-profile figure like Buratai, even in retirement, may be symbolic. It underscores the boldness of insurgent groups and the continued risks faced by former military leaders, particularly those who played direct roles in anti-insurgency operations.
Though there were no confirmed fatalities reported among Buratai’s convoy, it remains unclear whether any of the attackers were killed or captured. Security operations were reportedly launched in the area shortly after the ambush in an effort to track down the perpetrators and secure the route.
The Nigerian military has often struggled with ambushes on rural roads in Borno, where insurgents are known to monitor military and civilian movements. Convoy attacks have previously targeted both soldiers and humanitarian workers, prompting travel restrictions and the use of armed escorts in many parts of the state.
The attempted attack on Buratai has reignited discussions on the broader security strategy in Nigeria’s northeast, with many questioning whether current measures are adequate to protect lives and property. It also raises concerns over the vulnerability of both current and former security officials.
No official injuries or deaths were reported in the aftermath of the attack, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. As of now, the identities of the gunmen remain unknown, and authorities have yet to confirm whether any arrests have been made.
Buratai has not issued a personal statement, but those close to him say he remains calm and is cooperating with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.
