Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai Reflects on Challenging Tenure Amidst Boko Haram Rampage

Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (ret.) has characterized his tenure as a “very difficult period,” marked by the rampant activities of Boko Haram terrorists. Buratai, who led the Nigerian Army from July 2015 to January 2021, described the era as “volatile, uncertain, and complex.” He noted the significant opposition and mischief within the sociopolitical and geographical landscape of the Northeast when he assumed command.

“You stood by me when I was Chief of Army Staff in a very difficult period,” Buratai said, addressing members of the 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy during their Annual General Meeting in Borno state. “The environments were charged with opposition and mischief within the sociopolitical environment and the geographical environment of the Northeast was tense with various attacks, but together, we succeeded.”

Buratai’s remarks, relayed in a statement by his Media Assistant, Ibrahim Danfulani, on Sunday, highlighted the challenges and achievements during his tenure. Reflecting on the progress made since then, Buratai, who also served as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, expressed gratitude for the ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

“Nine years ago, we would never have had the opportunity to gather like this in Borno and Maiduguri. The restrictions were heavy, the atmosphere was charged with insecurity,” he recalled. “Today, we are thankful to God for the sustained counterinsurgency operations leading to the significant security being experienced in the Northeast.”

Buratai also praised the federal government for its support in combating insurgency. “We must appreciate the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the increased support to the Armed Forces to prosecute counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP,” he said.

Commodore MB Teidi (ret.), president of the 29th Regular Combatant Course, reminisced about the group’s journey, which began on January 3, 1981, when 155 young men reported for military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy. “Most of us received the Presidential Commission and were posted to various services in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, while some pursued other career paths,” Teidi said.

Buratai’s reflections underscore the arduous task faced by the Nigerian Army in the fight against insurgency and the collaborative efforts that have led to improved security in the region.

However, it is noteworthy that the Nigerian Army’s official website does not currently document these significant events, which were pivotal in the country’s recent history.