THE VISION AND VALOR OF GENERAL BURATAI: AN INITIATOR WITH A MISSION FOR EXCELLENCE
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
The inception of the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2015 marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism. As a retired general and former military head of state, Buhari’s leadership was instrumental in restructuring military command operations, temporarily relocating military headquarters to Maiduguri, a strategic move aimed at intensifying the fight against Boko Haram.
In July of the same year, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, then Chief of Army Staff, launched Operation Lafiya Dole, a decisive initiative that replaced the previous Zaman Lafiya operation. With unwavering commitment, Gen. Buratai emphasized that the military’s strategy to combat Boko Haram would be executed through action rather than mere rhetoric. True to his word, he maintained a strong presence on the front lines, demonstrating his dedication to the mission.
As the months progressed, the Nigerian military began to witness tangible successes in the fight against insurgency. Troops executed heavy crackdowns, reclaiming significant territories from the clutches of Boko Haram. This momentum was further bolstered by the emergence of a breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which ultimately weakened the overall strength of Boko Haram, they were technically defeated.
However, Gen. Buratai recognized the complexities of the insurgency, cautioning that “Boko Haram and the likes cannot be defeated by kinetic military warfare alone.” He foresaw that the struggle against terrorism could extend over two decades, warning of the dangers of allowing insurgent activities to proliferate across the nation.
In 2016, to complement military efforts, a non-kinetic approach known as Operation Safe Corridor was introduced. This initiative aimed to encourage voluntary surrender, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members into society through vocational training and civic programs. While this initiative has achieved many success, the threat of terrorism remains a significant concern.
In April 2018, the Nigerian Army launched Operation LAST HOLD, a strategic offensive aimed at “totally destroying Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin.” This operation involved the deployment of six additional maneuver brigades and critical assets to Borno State.
Throughout his tenure, Gen. Buratai left no stone unturned in his commitment to operational excellence. He visited all military formations in the northeast and remained actively engaged until his voluntary retirement in January 2021. His tenure as Chief of Army Staff was marked by several notable achievements, including:
1. Establishing several Forward Operation Bases (FOB) to enhance operational flexibility and project force around epicenters of security challenges across the nation.
2. Bolstering effective training for personnel through enhanced access to both international and local military courses, significantly improving capacity building.
3. Making unprecedented contributions to civil military cooperation by executing numerous life enhancing projects in communities across Nigeria.
4. Spearheading the upgrade and completion of the 44 Military Hospital in Kaduna, enhancing healthcare services for military personnel.
5. Deploying several advanced military medical centers across operational areas, ensuring medical support for troops in the field.
6. Operationalizing the employment of Special Forces in counter-terrorism and insurgency operations, enhancing tactical effectiveness.
7. Implementing innovative approaches to building and deploying equipment as force multipliers, significantly improving operational capabilities.
General Buratai’s leadership exemplified a vision for excellence in military operations and a steadfast commitment to restoring peace in Nigeria. His strategic initiatives and hands-on approach have left a lasting legacy, shaping the future of Nigeria’s military efforts in combating terrorism.

Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, A Kaduna Base Journalist editor Gamji Reporters