A recent incident involving a deadly ambush on the convoy of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has heightened concerns about security in Borno State. The attack, which occurred on Friday, was reportedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed the event during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening. He revealed that Buratai and the soldiers accompanying him were ambushed near a military base at the frontline.
While the full extent of casualties remains unknown, Senator Ndume confirmed that a violent gun battle took place between the assailants and Buratai’s security detail.
“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.
According to the senator, the insurgents specifically targeted valuable military hardware such as Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and mounted machine guns.
Ndume also emphasized that in some instances, the attackers not only destroy the equipment but also seize military weapons and supplies.
“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.
Expanding the conversation beyond the North-East, Ndume outlined the grim state of security across the nation, citing the spread of violence, banditry, and sabotage to other regions.
“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.
This attack has added urgency to ongoing calls for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy, particularly in regions plagued by Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
Lt. Gen. Buratai, who led Nigeria’s military efforts against insurgency from 2015 to 2021, has continued to hold influence in defense and diplomatic roles following his retirement.
