Why Nigerians Shouldn’t Forget Retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai
I joined the Nigerian Army in 2014 with the full intention of serving my country diligently. My first posting was to 1 Division Kaduna, where I was influenced by a common belief among the junior ranks—that our generals didn’t care about us. However, that perception changed when Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai assumed full command and began to truly work and serve both Nigeria and the Nigerian Army.
Later, I was transferred to Abuja and had the rare opportunity to serve directly in his office as an office orderly. It was there I witnessed firsthand the incredible demands of serving as the Chief of Army Staff. I remember a specific week where he worked day and night without rest. During a particularly intense period of operations against insurgents, he broke down after a night of nonstop work and back-to-back high-level meetings. I was sent by his MA and i had to rush downstairs to get the medical representative, who administered treatment to help him recover. To my surprise, as soon as he regained his strength, he returned immediately to his desk to continue working.
Throughout my time working in his office, I never saw him take a leave or even a break. Under his leadership, long-forgotten allowances were restored, Many non-commissioned officers were promoted or commissioned. Soldiers were given access to both military and civilian education programs—of which I was a beneficiary. He also expanded housing schemes and introduced mortgage opportunities for personnel. Lt. Gen. Buratai redefined what it meant to serve with commitment and vision and every other Staff officer under him were equally busy.
Key Achievements of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai
Reclaiming Territories from Boko Haram
Under Buratai’s leadership, the Nigerian Army successfully reclaimed large swathes of territory previously under Boko Haram’s control in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Major highways like the Maiduguri-Bama and Damaturu-Maiduguri roads were reopened, allowing for the restoration of civil governance in formerly overrun regions.
Establishment of New Military Formations
He initiated the creation of vital commands and formations to improve rapid response, including:
Nigerian Army Special Forces Command
Army Aviation Corps
These formations enhanced operational flexibility and strengthened counter-insurgency efforts.
Modernization of Military Equipment
Under his tenure, the Army acquired modern armored vehicles, artillery systems, and combat drones, significantly increasing its firepower and tactical capabilities.
Establishment of Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB)
Founded in 2018 in Biu, Borno State, NAUB focuses on advancing military education and research, supporting innovation and technology in military operations.
Improvement of Soldiers’ Welfare
Buratai championed soldiers’ welfare by introducing:
Housing initiatives
Educational opportunities
Enhanced healthcare services which gave birth to one of the Best hospitals in Abuja ( COMMAND AND NAOWA HOSPITAL)
These improved the morale and effectiveness of the troops.
Promotion of Civil-Military Relations
He emphasized mutual trust and understanding between the Army and civilians, strengthening nationwide collaboration and public support.
Support for Democracy
During election periods, Buratai ensured the Nigerian Army upheld constitutional order, playing a neutral and stabilizing role in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches
He established agricultural projects to boost food security for soldiers and provide alternative welfare support for their families.
Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies
He founded this institute to train soldiers in technical and environmental disciplines, supporting their post-service careers.
Advocacy for Cultural Integration in Security
After his retirement, Buratai actively promoted using Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to enhance national security, emphasizing that no indigenous culture supports criminality.
Army Structural Expansion Under Buratai
New Divisions
6th Division (Amphibious)– Port Harcourt, Rivers State
8th Division – Sokoto State
New Brigades and Units
16 Brigade– Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
17 Brigade – Katsina State
63 Brigade – Delta State
2nd Brigade – Akwa Ibom State
42nd Engineering Brigade
Fort Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operating Base – Daura, Katsina State
331 Artillery Tactical Forward Operating Base – Buratai, Borno State
Forward Operating Base, Okene – Kogi StaSpecialized Institutions and Facilities
Nigerian Army Aviation School
Nigerian Army War College
Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC)– Abuja
Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri – Modern military housing in Abuja
Here is a list of some infrastructural projects constructed or initiated under Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff (2015–2021). These projects span military bases, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, roads, housing, and operational commands, reflecting his strategic focus on capacity building, welfare, and professionalism.
1. Army Headquarters Command Structures
Remodeling and modernization of Army Headquarters Complex in Abuja
Renovation and expansion of Command Officers’ Mess in Abuja
Construction of HQ NACMP, SIB and HQ NAIC
2. New Divisions and Formations Infrastructure
6th Division Headquarters– Port Harcourt, Rivers State (including barracks and support facilities)
8th Division Headquarters – Sokoto State (administrative blocks, housing, operational centers)
3. Brigades and Units Infrastructure
16 Brigade Complex– Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
17 Brigade Complex– Katsina State
63 Brigade Complex– Asaba, Delta State
2 Brigade Forward Operating Base (FOB) – Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State
1 Brigade Headquarters Complex – Gusau, Zamfara State
13 Brigade Complex– Calabar, Cross River State
4. Specialized Institutions
Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) – Biu, Borno State
Nigerian Army War College– Abuja
Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) – Abuja
Nigerian Army Aviation School– (location development under construction)
Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies – Makurdi, Benue State
5. Medical Infrastructure
Renovation and expansion of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital – Kaduna
Upgrading of Military Hospital – Port Harcourt
Establishment of new medical facilities in several divisions including Lagos, Abuja, and Maiduguri
Field hospitals constructed in combat zones in the Northeast
6. Barracks and Residential Housing Projects
Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri – Abuja (state-of-the-art barracks and officers’ quarters)
Army Housing Estate – Kurudu, Abuja
Massive renovation and new construction of soldiers’ accommodation across all 6 geo-political zones
Construction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Barracks– Buratai town, Borno State
7. Forward Operating Bases (FOBs)
FOB/171Bn Daura – Katsina State
FOB Okene – Kogi State
FOB Buratai– Borno State
Numerous FOBs in the North-East, enhancing real-time response to insurgency
8. Army Farms and Ranches
Establishment of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches in several divisions, providing food and economic support for troops
9. Roads and Internal Transportation
Construction of internal road networks within new barracks and cantonment
Upgrading of military access roads and connecting roads in conflict zones for logistics and troop movement
10. Training and Capacity Building Centers
Modernization of Depot Nigerian Army – Zaria
Establishment of Command Science Secondary Schools in multiple states
Construction of training ranges and simulation centers across Army divisions
Renovation of military churches and mosque
These infrastructure projects were executed as part of Buratai’s vision to professionalize the Nigerian Army, improve troop welfare, and enhance operational readiness. They also reflect a balanced focus on education, healthcare, housing, logistics, and combat efficiency.
Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s legacy is not just in what he built but in how he inspired countless soldiers, myself included, to believe in the military institution again.
He served tirelessly, restored honor to service, and laid a strong foundation for future generations of the Nigerian Army.
Leave a Reply