Soldiers ‘deal with’ B’Haram at Buratai’s town

The military says it has “dealt with” Boko Haram insurgents and prevented them from capturing Buratai, hometown of Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff.

The insurgents reportedly attacked the village in Borno state on two occasions between Monday and Tuesday, but were overpowered by soldiers.

Sani Usman, spokesman of the Nigerian army, said normalcy had returned to the town.

“Suspected terrorists made a futile attempt to attack Buratai town in Borno state and military camp located in the area,” Usman said in a statement.

“In their desperate attempt to capture the town, the invaders struck at about 9.30 pm but were repelled by Nigerian soldiers. The terrorists returned again at about 3:am and were equally pushed back.

“I am glad to inform you that the gallant soldiers rose to the occasion and dealt with the terrorists. The situation and town is cool and calm. Buratai is the home town of chief of army staff, Major General Tukur Buratai and is also the location of a military camp.”

Exactly a week ago, suspected Boko Haram insurgents killed two people and injured eight others in an attack on the family house of Buratai, who has been talking tough about the insurgents since he was appointed to lead the army.

Buratai has changed the code name of the army operations in the north-east from ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya’ to ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole’, vowing that he would make Boko Haram beg for peace.

His boast was similar to that made by Alex Badeh, former chief of defence staff, who promised to crush Boko Haram mercilessly on assumption of office in 2013.

After a series of attacks by the militants who eventually took over his country home in Adamawa state, Badeh said his statements were meant to motivate the soldiers.