The former Chief of Army Staff and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, retired Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has debunked reports that he was attacked by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
The denial comes in response to a claim made by the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, who alleged during a public appearance on Sunday that the retired general and his entourage were ambushed by terrorists near a frontline military base in the state.
Speaking through his official spokesperson and former army spokesman, retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Buratai described the reports as “mischievous and utterly false”, dismissing the story as baseless and the product of reckless imagination.
“For the avoidance of doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers,” Usman said in a statement issued Monday in Abuja.
“He has remained within the Federal Capital Territory since then. The baseless rumour is a product of the reckless imagination of the purveyors of fake news—individuals whose sole aim is to malign him, spread fear, confusion, and misinformation.”
Senator Ndume, a prominent political figure from Borno State, had claimed that the former army chief’s convoy was ambushed by suspected insurgents last Friday, fuelling speculation and concern on social media and among military observers.
However, Buratai’s camp has pushed back strongly, warning against the dangers of spreading false information about national security figures.
“The fabricators of such fake news are not only mischievous but also deeply irresponsible and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Usman said.
He further extended appreciation to those who reached out in the wake of the false report:
“I sincerely extend my heartfelt and profound appreciation to the countless patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians, friends, associates, and admirers of His Excellency who reached out with genuine concerns, prayers, and goodwill.
“Your overwhelming show of love and support is deeply cherished and speaks volumes about the enduring respect and affection we are privileged to receive from across the country and beyond.”
Usman also issued a veiled caution to those spreading misinformation, asserting that the truth would inevitably prevail.
“No amount of falsehood or malicious propaganda can tarnish the image of a man who has devoted his life to the service of this great nation.”
