Tukur Buratai

Early Life and Background

Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retired) was born on November 24, 1960, in Buratai town, located in the Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. His upbringing was deeply influenced by a military heritage, as his father, Yusuf Buratai, was a veteran of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) and served during the Second World War. This familial background instilled in young Tukur Buratai a profound sense of discipline, duty, and patriotism from an early age, setting the foundation for his future career in the Nigerian Armed Forces. Growing up in a region known for its rich cultural history and strategic importance, he developed a keen understanding of security dynamics, which would prove invaluable throughout his extensive military career.

Education

Buratai's educational journey began with his primary and secondary schooling in Borno State. His pursuit of higher education and professional military training commenced in earnest when he gained admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. He was a member of the 3rd Regular Course, a highly competitive intake that marked the beginning of his formal military instruction. Upon successful completion of his rigorous training at the NDA, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on December 17, 1983. Beyond his foundational military education, Lieutenant General Buratai furthered his academic qualifications by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Maiduguri. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, he later obtained a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree in Security Studies from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Security Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professional (BUP), Dhaka, Bangladesh, a testament to his dedication to understanding complex security challenges. In addition to his academic degrees, Buratai underwent extensive military professional training, including the Infantry Young Officers' Course, the Mortar Platoon Course, the Airborne Course, and the Amphibious Operations Course. He also attended the Staff College (Junior and Senior Divisions) at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, and the National Defence College in Cairo, Egypt, enhancing his strategic and operational leadership capabilities.

Career

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai's illustrious career in the Nigerian Army spanned over three decades, marked by a steady progression through various command, staff, and instructional appointments. After his commissioning in 1983, he served in numerous capacities, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Battalion Second-in-Command. He held several staff appointments, such as General Staff Officer Grade 3 (Operations) at Army Headquarters and Deputy Director, Army Public Relations. His leadership acumen led him to serve as Military Assistant to the Chief of Army Staff, an appointment that provided him with a deeper insight into the strategic leadership of the army. Buratai commanded various formations, notably as Commander of the 2 Brigade in Port Harcourt and as Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, in the Niger Delta, where he played a crucial role in combating militancy and oil theft. He also served as the Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) in Jaji, where he was instrumental in shaping the training and doctrine of the army's infantry arm. Prior to his most prominent role, he served as the Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters and later as the Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), an international coalition formed to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin region. His exceptional performance in these roles culminated in his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2015. He held this critical position for over five years until his retirement on January 28, 2021. Following his retirement from active military service, President Buhari appointed him as Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin on June 22, 2021, a role he continues to serve in, representing Nigeria's interests on the international stage.

Major Achievements

As Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Buratai is largely credited with revitalizing the Nigerian Army's operational capabilities and morale in the face of the formidable Boko Haram and Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgencies. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army launched and sustained Operation Lafiya Dole (later renamed Operation Hadin Kai), which achieved significant successes in degrading the insurgents' capabilities, reclaiming territories, and freeing abducted persons. He oversaw the establishment of new military formations, including the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, and various Forward Operating Bases, enhancing the army's adaptability and responsiveness. Buratai championed the improvement of troops' welfare, including housing, equipment, and medical facilities, which significantly boosted morale. He also initiated aggressive procurement drives, acquiring modern weaponry, armored vehicles, and surveillance equipment to bolster the army's combat effectiveness. Furthermore, he promoted local military hardware production and research, fostering partnerships with Nigerian industries to reduce reliance on foreign imports. His tenure saw a renewed focus on military-civilian relations through various community engagement initiatives, aiming to bridge the gap between the army and the populace it serves. He also emphasized professionalism, discipline, and adherence to rules of engagement within the army.

Controversies

Lieutenant General Buratai's tenure as Chief of Army Staff was not without controversy. He faced significant criticism and allegations regarding human rights abuses by the Nigerian Army under his command. Notably, Amnesty International and other human rights organizations frequently reported on alleged extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and excessive force used by Nigerian troops, particularly in the context of counter-insurgency operations in the North-East and during internal security operations. A major incident was the December 2015 clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, Kaduna State, which resulted in significant casualties. The army maintained that its actions were in self-defence, while human rights groups condemned the scale of force used. Another highly publicized incident occurred in October 2020 during the 'End SARS' protests, when soldiers allegedly opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, leading to casualties. The army initially denied involvement but later admitted to deploying troops, though it disputed the casualty figures and circumstances. Buratai also faced allegations of corruption, specifically concerning the ownership of properties in Dubai. He publicly denied these allegations, stating that the properties belonged to his family and were legitimately acquired through personal savings and loans, pre-dating his appointment as COAS, and were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Personal Life

Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai is a married man and a father. Consistent with the tradition of many high-ranking military officers, details regarding his spouse and children are largely kept private to ensure their security and privacy. He is known to be a devout Muslim. Throughout his career, despite the demanding nature of his roles, he maintained a reputation for discipline and a commitment to his family. His personal life, while not extensively publicized, reflects the values of dedication and service that characterized his professional career.

Legacy

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai's legacy is multifaceted and complex. He is widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to national security and for leading the Nigerian Army through one of its most challenging periods in modern history, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP. His strategic vision led to significant operational gains, institutional reforms within the army, and efforts to modernize its equipment and training. He is credited with boosting the morale of troops and instilling a renewed sense of purpose. However, his legacy is also marked by the persistent allegations of human rights abuses under his command, which have drawn international condemnation and remain a contentious aspect of his time as Chief of Army Staff. As Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, he continues to serve his nation, leveraging his extensive experience in security and international relations to strengthen diplomatic ties. His career exemplifies a life dedicated to military service, marked by both commendation for leadership and controversy over operational conduct, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria's security landscape and its armed forces.