Ex-Army chief, Buratai’s convoy under Boko Haram gunfire in Borno – Ndume

Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume has revealed that the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), narrowly escaped death on Friday after his convoy came under a heavy gunfire attack in Borno State.

The daring Boko Haram insurgents ambushed Buratai’s convoy full of soldiers near a frontline military base.
Speaking on Chnnel’s Politics Today on Sunday evening, the lawmaker expressed concern over the resurgence of attacks after it went low few months ago.

The revelation was made by the lawmaker representing Borno Siuth Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening.

Giving details of the incident, he said, the former military chief escaped by the whiskers, even as he said, the casualties remain unclear, confirming that there was exchange of heavy of gunfire between Buratai escorting soldiers and Boko Haram fighters.

“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,” he said.
The attackers reportedly targeted high-value equipment including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns.

In some cases, Ndume added, the insurgents not only destroy these assets but also cart away weaponry and equipment.
“The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly.

“Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis,” he added.

Ndume also used the opportunity to paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s broader security landscape, noting that violent conflict, banditry, and sabotage have extended across the nation.

“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,” he said.