Former Army Chief Tukur Buratai has denied reports claiming he survived a Boko Haram ambush, calling them entirely fabricated and misleading.
The denial follows Senator Ali Ndume’s statement suggesting Buratai’s convoy was attacked near a military base in Borno.
Former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has firmly denied recent claims that he survived a Boko Haram ambush in Borno State. The denial follows comments made by Senator Ali Ndume during a live interview on Sunday, June 8, 2025, which suggested that Buratai’s convoy was attacked by insurgents near a military base.
Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly and has long been vocal about insecurity in the North-East, had used the alleged ambush incident to highlight the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. He told viewers that Buratai’s security convoy was reportedly engaged in a heavy gunfight with Boko Haram fighters, resulting in damage to military vehicles and equipment.
However, in swift response to the claim, Buratai refuted the report, dismissing it as entirely fabricated and misleading. In a statement issued through retired Army spokesperson Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Buratai clarified that no such attack ever occurred and that he was nowhere near Borno State at the time.
“I have not been to Borno recently. I spent the Eid-el-Kabir celebration quietly in Abuja, in the company of family, friends, and associates,” the former Army chief said through his representative. He emphasized that the entire story was a fabrication designed to stir panic and confusion among Nigerians.
Buratai further expressed disappointment over the spread of such unverified information, noting that issues related to national security should be treated with a sense of responsibility and accuracy. “False reports like this not only undermine public trust but also endanger the morale of security personnel putting their lives on the line daily,” he said.
He also extended appreciation to well-wishers who reached out to confirm his safety in light of the rumors. According to him, the outpouring of concern demonstrated how deeply Nigerians care about their leaders, especially those who have dedicated their lives to the nation’s security.
“This kind of misinformation has no place in a society that values truth and national unity. I urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid being misled by sensational claims, especially on matters involving the armed forces and internal security,” Buratai cautioned.
His rebuttal comes amid renewed discussions about the security challenges still plaguing parts of the North-East, despite years of military campaigns against insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. While some communities have witnessed relative peace in recent times, sporadic attacks and ambushes still occur in remote areas, keeping residents and officials on edge.
The contradiction between Senator Ndume’s claim and Buratai’s denial has sparked debate online and in political circles, with some calling for further clarification from the lawmaker to verify his statement. Meanwhile, security analysts have urged public figures to verify sensitive information before making it public, warning that inaccurate narratives can hinder counter-insurgency efforts.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear national security discourse demands care, credibility, and truth. In a country still grappling with the trauma of terrorism, facts must lead the way, not fiction.
