Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has reflected on his tenure, speaking on the challenges he faced, News About Nigeria reports.
Buratai, who served from July 2015 to January 2021, recounted the intense period marked by Boko Haram’s aggressive insurgency, making his time in office difficult.
Buratai expressed his gratitude towards the members of the 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy during their Annual General Meeting in Borno State.
He praised their unwavering support during a volatile and uncertain period.
He noted, “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.”
In his statement, Buratai said they made progress in counter-terrorism efforts, acknowledging the substantial reduction in insurgency-related incidents.
“Nine years ago, gatherings like this in Borno, particularly in Maiduguri, were unthinkable due to severe security restrictions. Today, thanks to sustained counterinsurgency operations, we are witnessing a more secure environment in the Northeast,” he said.
Buratai also extended his appreciation to the federal government for its continued support in combating insurgencies.
He recognised the efforts of both the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the current government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their increased backing of the Armed Forces.
Commodore MB Teidi (retd), President of the course, reflected on their journey, which began 40 years ago at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He recounted how 155 young men started their military training on January 3, 1981, with many going on to have distinguished careers in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
