Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Retd.), has detailed the military’s strategy in reclaiming Nigerian territories previously occupied by Boko Haram insurgents.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Buratai, who served from 2015 to 2021, outlined the significant progress made during his tenure while also acknowledging ongoing security challenges.
Buratai described the dire security situation before 2015, noting that Boko Haram had seized control of an estimated 120,000 square kilometers in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Key locations, including Michika, Madagali, and border areas near Chad and Cameroon, were under the insurgents’ control.
“Before 2015, Boko Haram had defined a territory of roughly 120,000 square kilometers. They had cut off several parts of the North-East, including Michika, Madagali, and the borders with Chad and Cameroon. By the time I left office, we had reclaimed all of these,” Buratai stated.
Military operations led to the recapture of several local government areas in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, allowing authorities to restore governance.
Additionally, critical roads such as the Maiduguri-Bama and Damaturu-Maiduguri highways, previously unsafe due to insurgent activities, were reopened, restoring vital links for civilians and trade.
Buratai emphasized that the military’s counter-insurgency success relied heavily on intelligence-driven operations, particularly in 2019 and 2020. A key strategy was dismantling Boko Haram’s logistical networks by targeting their supply of arms, food, and fuel.
“If intelligence operations had continued at the same intensity, more progress would have been made,” he noted.
While the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is primarily responsible for tracking the financial backers of terrorism, Buratai acknowledged the military’s collaboration with civilian intelligence agencies to disrupt funding channels for insurgents.
During Buratai’s tenure, the Nigerian Army pursued modernization initiatives to improve its operational effectiveness. This included the procurement of advanced armored vehicles, artillery systems, and combat drones.
Investments were also made in upgrading military barracks and training facilities, improving both the welfare and combat readiness of troops.
To further enhance military professionalism, the Army University Biu was established to promote research and advanced training.
Additionally, Buratai spearheaded efforts to boost local defense production, leading to the manufacturing of mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles and small arms in collaboration with Nigerian defense firms. This move reduced reliance on imported equipment while promoting indigenous innovation.
Addressing accusations of mismanagement, particularly regarding the $1 billion security fund, Buratai dismissed such claims, stating that the Ministry of Defence, not the Army, was responsible for handling those funds.
He affirmed that all military expenditures during his tenure were accounted for, with verifiable records available. Buratai also challenged critics to conduct proper investigations instead of relying on politically motivated claims.
