Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has categorically denied reports that he was attacked by terrorists while traveling to his hometown in Borno State, describing the claim as "fake news."
The denial comes after Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, claimed during a Channels Television interview on Sunday that Buratai had come under "heavy gun attack" while en route to Buratai town in Borno State last Friday. According to Ndume, the former military chief survived only because security operatives in his convoy successfully repelled the attackers.
In a statement released on Monday through his representative, former Nigerian Army spokesman SK Usman, Buratai firmly refuted the allegation, stating that he was not even in Borno State on the day of the purported attack.
Buratai's Official Response
"For the avoidance of doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja, in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers, and I have remained within the Federal Capital Territory since then," the statement read.
Buratai, who also served as Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin after his military career, condemned the spread of what he termed "baseless rumour" and "fake news," suggesting that the false reports were deliberately circulated to "malign him, spread fear, confusion and misinformation."
"The fabricators of these actions are not only mischievous but also deeply irresponsible and must be condemned in the strongest terms," the statement continued.
Security Situation in Borno
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about security in Borno State, which has been at the epicenter of Nigeria's battle against terrorism for over a decade. Despite government claims of progress in the fight against insurgency, reports of attacks and security challenges continue to emerge from the region.
Senator Ndume, who represents the affected region, has been vocal about security issues in northeastern Nigeria, frequently calling for increased military presence and government attention to the plight of residents in the area.
Buratai, who led the Nigerian Army from July 2015 to January 2021, was known for his direct involvement in counter-terrorism operations during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
In his statement, Buratai expressed gratitude to Nigerians who had reached out with concern following the reports, saying: "I sincerely extend my heartfelt and profound appreciation to the countless patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians, friends, associates and admirers who reached out with genuine concern, prayers and goodwill."
He concluded with a firm message to those spreading misinformation: "Let this serve as a reminder to the harbingers of fake news, that truth will always prevail. No amount of falsehood or malicious propaganda can tarnish the image of a man who has devoted his life to the service of our great nation."
As of the time of this report, Senator Ndume has not publicly responded to Buratai's denial of the alleged attack.
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