Boko Haram Launches Midnight Assault on Buratai, Hometown of Ex-Army Chief
In a chilling reminder of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, Boko Haram insurgents launched a coordinated, late-night assault on Buratai, the hometown of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd).
The attack began around 12:30 a.m., shaking residents in Biu Local Government Area of southern Borno State. Gunfire echoed for hours along the Buni Yadi–Biu Road, as Nigerian troops engaged the militants in an intense firefight.
“They came in from the eastern flank and started firing indiscriminately,” a senior military source told reporters on condition of anonymity. “Our troops responded immediately, and combat continued for hours.”
Panic gripped the town as terrified residents either fled into nearby bushlands or took shelter in their homes. “We haven’t slept,” said Musa Bukar, a resident. “This is the hometown of a former Army Chief. If this can happen here, where is safe?”
Lt. Gen. Buratai, who led Nigeria’s anti-insurgency campaign between 2015 and 2021, has long been a symbolic figure in the fight against Boko Haram. Analysts suggest the attack was intended to send a message.
“Striking Buratai is symbolic—it’s a statement of defiance by Boko Haram,” said Nafiu Ali, a conflict analyst based in Maiduguri. “It shows that despite years of military operations, the group retains reach and intent.”
While Boko Haram has weakened considerably since the death of its leader, Abubakar Shekau, in 2021, offshoots like ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) continue to pose a serious threat, often targeting remote or symbolic locations.
In an official update, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed that troops successfully repelled the attempted infiltration.
“The terrorists attacked from multiple directions to confuse our forces,” he said. “But our troops returned heavy fire and were reinforced with close air support.”
According to the military, several insurgents were neutralized, and a large cache of weapons—including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades—was recovered.
In a separate incident in Mallam Fatori, insurgents launched a multi-front assault but were also repelled by Nigerian troops backed by airstrikes.
“Our resilient troops outmatched the attackers with superior firepower. Many terrorists were neutralized, others escaped with injuries,” the Army reported.
Captain Kovangiya added that drones and surveillance aircraft are now sweeping surrounding areas to track down fleeing insurgents, under the coordination of the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command.
“These coordinated responses show our forces’ commitment to preventing insurgent freedom of movement and ensuring long-term security in the region,” he said.
