Contrary to widespread online reports suggesting that former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), was attacked, his close associate has confirmed that the retired military officer and diplomat is alive, safe, and residing in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), former spokesman of the Nigerian Army and aide to Buratai, described the reports as “utterly false” and the handiwork of mischief-makers.
“His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), CFR, Betara of Biu, Garkuwan Keffi, was not attacked in any way, contrary to what has been falsely reported by some online media outlets,” Usman stated.
He noted that Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, recently celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.
According to Usman, the former Army Chief has remained in the Federal Capital Territory since then without incident.
Describing the rumour as the “reckless imagination” of fake news merchants, Usman strongly condemned the attempt to tarnish Buratai’s image and called for greater accountability in news reporting.
The statement also acknowledged the outpouring of concern from Nigerians who reached out to verify the retired general’s well-being.
Lieutenant General Buratai (Rtd) served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 and played a prominent role in the country’s counter-insurgency efforts during his tenure.
