My Time As Chief Of Army Staff Difficult – Buratai

In a candid reflection, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), described his tenure as a “very difficult period,” marked by intense challenges and internal opposition.

Buratai, who served as the COAS from July 2015 to January 2021, highlighted the severity of the Boko Haram insurgency and the complexities within the sociopolitical landscape of the North East.

Buratai’s comments were made during the Annual General Meeting of the 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Borno State.

In a statement released by his Media Assistant, Ibrahim Danfulani, Buratai emphasized the volatility, uncertainty, and complexity of the period, with Boko Haram terrorists wreaking havoc across the region.

Reflecting on his time in office, Buratai noted the significant opposition and mischief that compounded the already dire situation.

Despite these challenges, his tenure was marked by strategic military efforts to combat the insurgency and restore peace to the troubled region.

Buratai’s tenure witnessed several military operations aimed at dismantling Boko Haram’s strongholds, although the insurgency remained a persistent threat.

His leadership faced scrutiny and criticism, but he continued to emphasize the progress made under his command.

The former COAS expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the Nigerian Defence Academy, acknowledging their support and camaraderie during his tenure.

He said, “You stood by me when I was Chief of Army Staff in a very difficult period, the time of the Boko Haram rampage and it was a period that was volatile, uncertain, complex and of course ambiguous in the environment and times as well. The environments were charged with so much opposition and mischief that is within the sociopolitical environment and within the geographical environment of the northeast also was tense with the various attacks that have been going on in this area but you stood by me and supported me and together, we succeeded.”

The former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin also appreciated the troops for sustaining the tempo of the ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

He said, “Nine years ago, we would never have had the opportunity to gather like this here in Borno and Maiduguri in particular. Once it is 2 o’clock as someone said, everyone goes inside and remains there till the following morning, probably nine or 10.

“The restrictions were heavy, the atmosphere was charged with so much insecurity. But today, to the Glory of Almighty God, we are thankful to God for the sustained counterinsurgency operations leading to the sustainable security being achieved and being experienced today in the Northeast.”

Buratai also commended the federal government for its support in the war against insurgency.

He said, “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 the counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and its subsequent version of ISWAP.”

President of the course, Commodore MB Teidi (retd), recalled how the journey started 40 years ago.

He said, “Let me take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment. The history of the NDA 29th Regular Course started on 3rd January 1981 when 155 young men reported for military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

“Most of us received the Presidential Commission and thereafter were posted to various services in the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force to pursue their Military career, while some opted out of the training to pursue their next best-destined options.”