Former COAS, Buratai scores himself high, says Boko Haram degraded in last five years

The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai on Thursday at the Army headquarters in Abuja, scored himself high, saying security improved under his watch as Boko Haram insurgency was degraded and towns which were hitherto under the control of terrorists were reclaimed.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Buratai said insecurity in the north eastern part of Nigeria was somehow tackled during his tenure in office, while he expressed gratitude to the entire officers and men of the Army for their tremendous support to him.

He urged his successor, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru to consolidate on the successes he would meet on ground.

“The 66 months I spent as the number one officer of the Nigerian Army, was eventful.

“I have recorded many remarkable successes and sterling feats as COAS between July 2015 and January 2021, when held sway.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday appointed Attahiru, as the new COAS, alongside other Service Chiefs after a voluntary resignation of the former ones in a single swoop.

Buratai is the longest serving Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria.

Lt. Gen. Buratai, in a remark shortly before a ceremonial hand over, noted that Army’s officers and men, under his watch, became professionally-responsive, dedicated and committed to their statutory responsibility of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation, against any internal and foreign aggression.

He equally said that infrastructural development, especially with regards to the construction and rehabilitation of several army barracks, schools, and hospitals, among other projects, was one of the lasting legacy his leadership bequeathed.

On his part, the new COAS, Gen Attahiru promised to hit the ground running in order to address the lingering security challenges bedeviling the country, at large.