BURATAI HAILED AS ‘FRONTLINE GENERAL’ AS PRAISE TRAILS MILITARY, DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

ABUJA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai (Rtd), has been described as a “frontline general” whose leadership redefined military command during Nigeria’s prolonged battle against insurgency.

The commendation, contained in a statement by KPUGHUR Sunday Christopher, highlighted Buratai’s direct involvement in combat theatres, noting that his decision to lead from the front distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

According to the statement, the retired army chief’s presence in conflict zones at critical moments of the war effort underscored his commitment to national security and territorial integrity.

“He was not a distant commander. He was present where it mattered most,” the statement said.

The tribute also emphasized Buratai’s reputation as a detribalized leader, stressing his consistent advocacy for unity and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria’s diverse population.

Observers note that his tenure coincided with some of the country’s most challenging security periods, during which the military recorded significant operational strides against insurgent groups.

Beyond his military career, Buratai’s subsequent diplomatic engagement was also cited as evidence of his versatility in national service.

The statement concluded that his continued involvement in national discourse after retirement reflects a sustained commitment to Nigeria’s progress, describing him as “a statesman whose service transcends uniform.”

Prophet Kingsley Aitafo to Mark Birthday with Global Prayer Session, Honours Spiritual Fathers

Renowned cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, is set to mark his birthday on March 23 with a global prayer session, offering what he described as a “spiritual gift” to followers across the world.

In a departure from conventional birthday celebrations, the prophet announced a Special Live Prayer Session scheduled to hold from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Nigeria time). The one-hour intercession is expected to draw participants from various countries, focusing on thanksgiving and collective prayers.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at fostering spiritual reflection and unity among believers, rather than personal festivities.

Ahead of the event, Prophet Aitafo paid tribute to his spiritual mentors, acknowledging the profound influence of Prophet and Founder of Celestial church of Christ, Prophet Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa and Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo on his ministerial journey.

He noted that the legacies and “exploits in ministry” of the revered clerics have continually inspired him to pursue greater depth, purpose, and impact in his calling.

The upcoming prayer session is expected to be streamed live across his ministry’s platforms, with followers encouraged to join in the global moment of intercession.

CDS Statement on Collaborators Was Operational, Not Political — Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has clarified that recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff on collaborators aiding insurgents were widely misinterpreted, stressing that the comments were strictly operational and not political.

Buratai made the clarification during an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, amid growing public debate over the statement.

According to him, the Defence Chief’s comments were made in the context of ongoing military operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where troops are battling insurgent groups such as Boko Haram.

He explained that the term “collaborators” refers to individuals who provide operational support to insurgents, including intelligence, logistics, and supplies, rather than any political actors.

“Insurgency relies heavily on support networks within communities. These are the collaborators being referred to, not politicians,” Buratai said.

The former army chief noted that misinterpretation of such statements could create unnecessary tension and distract from the real security challenges on the ground.

He emphasized that identifying and dismantling these support networks remains a critical component of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy, urging better understanding of military communications by the public and media.

Buratai further stressed that insurgency is a complex security issue that requires coordinated efforts between the military, intelligence agencies, and civilians, adding that accurate reporting is essential to national security efforts.