Insurgents Strike Again! Buratai’s Near-Death Experience Rocks Nigeria’s MilitaryFormer Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retired), narrowly escaped death on Friday when suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a violent ambush on his convoy in Borno State.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno in the National Assembly, revealed the incident during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Ndume described the ambush as a “dire security incident,” noting that Buratai and his escort were attacked near a frontline military base. A fierce firefight broke out as the former army chief’s team engaged the insurgents.
“Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno. His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents still managed to destroy several military assets,” Ndume stated.
The assailants reportedly targeted and destroyed advanced military hardware, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), tanks, and machine guns. Some weapons and equipment were allegedly stolen during the attack.
Ndume warned that security in the region is deteriorating rapidly, with insurgents moving freely, launching attacks, and seizing military gear.
“The situation in Borno is worsening. What we are seeing is the escalation of a full-blown crisis,” he said. “Violent conflict, banditry, and sabotage are spreading across the country. Even the South-South is struggling with economic crimes like oil theft. Right now, the South-West appears to be the only relatively secure zone.”
