A harrowing incident unfolded in Borno State last week Friday when suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a brazen attack on the convoy of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff. Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, revealed the details of the ambush during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.
According to Ndume, the attack occurred near a frontline military base, where Buratai and his accompanying soldiers were caught off guard. Despite the surprise attack, Buratai’s team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets. The senator disclosed that the insurgents targeted high-value equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns, making off with some weaponry and equipment while destroying others.
The situation in Borno, Ndume warned, is deteriorating rapidly, with insurgents now moving freely, torching and stealing military equipment. “It is becoming a full-blown crisis,” he lamented. The lawmaker’s assessment paints a grim picture of the security landscape in the state, where the military’s efforts seem to be facing significant challenges.
Ndume’s concerns extend beyond Borno, as he noted that all six geopolitical zones are experiencing security challenges to varying degrees. Even the South-South region is grappling with economic sabotage, including oil theft. At this point, the South-West appears to be the only relatively safe region. As the security situation continues to unfold, the nation watches with bated breath, wondering what the future holds.
Buratai, who played a central role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency campaign under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, narrowly escaped death in the ambush. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those on the frontline of the fight against terrorism.
