Tukur Yusufu Buratai

Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Listen^ⓘ) CFR psc(+) NAM GSS ndc (BD) (born 24 November 1960) is a retired Nigerian army lieutenant general, former Chief of Army Staff^[1] (appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2015),^[2] and former Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.^[3] He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1983 and has had multiple command, administrative, and instructional appointments.^[4]

General Buratai is from Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. His father, Yusufu Buratai, was a non commissioned officer in the Royal West African Frontier Force and World War II veteran who fought in Burma.^[5] General Buratai had his primary education at Buratai town and thereafter gained admission to Government Teachers College Potiskum, Yobe State, where he graduated with distinction.

He hold a Bachelor of Art (BA) in History from University of Maiduguri in 1990 and Masters of Art (MA) from same university in 1992, and another Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) in Security Studies, from Bangladesh University of Professionals Dhaka, in 2009. He also attended senior course and junior course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji Nigeria from (1999 - 2000 - 1994). He received Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in leadership and peace (Honoris Causa) in Kaduna State University and Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in International Relations and Strategic, from Igbinedion University, Okada in 2023, and another Doctor of Letter (DLitt) (Honoris Causa), from Nigerian Army University, Biu in 2023. He is a professor of Strategic Studies (Honoris Causa), Igbinedion University, Okada.

In January 1981, Buratai attended the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna as a member of Burma battalion of the 29 Regular Combatant Course (29 RC) where he was given the prestigious appointment of Cadet Sergeant Major (CSM). On successful completion of his Officer Cadet training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 17 December 1983 into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army.^[6] Buratai has a degree in history from University of Maiduguri and a degree in philosophy from Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka.^[7] He is also a graduate of National Defence College, Mirpur, Bangladesh.^[8]

He served in 26 Amphibious Battalion Elele, Port Harcourt, Military Observer at the United Nations Verification Mission II in Angola; later 26 Guards Battalion, Lagos; Lagos Garrison Command Camp. Lt Gen Buratai also served as administrative officer at the State House, Abuja; 82 Motorized Battalion; 81 Battalion, Bakassi Peninsular; Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja before he became a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, earning the prestigious "Pass Staff College Dagger" (psc(+)) appellation. ^[6]

Subsequently, he served at AHQ Dept of Army Policy and Plans, Abuja; Assistant Chief of Staff Administrative Matters, HQ Infantry Centre Jaji. Additionally, he was again at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College as Director Dept of Land Warfare from where he was appointed Commander 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, doubling as Commander, Sector 2 JTF Operation PULO SHIELD. Upon promotion to the rank of Major General, he was appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji; thereafter he was appointed Director of Procurement DHQ before being appointed Force Commander of the newly reconstituted Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTNF) under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Benin Republic, an appointment he held till he became Chief of Army Staff.^[6]

His operational deployments include Military Observer at the United Nations Verification Mission II in Angola, Op HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsular, OP MESA, Op PULO SHIELD, Op SAFE CONDUCT, MNJTF, Op ZAMAN LAFIYA, and Op LAFIYA DOLE. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on 13 July 2015.^[2]

Tukur Buratai was rumoured to have been replaced by President Buhari following the promotion of Maj.-Gen. L.O Adeosun to Lieutenant General,^[9] making him of the same rank with Buratai. But the report was immediately debunked by the Army.^[10] General Tukur Buratai was resigned on January 26, 2021.^[11]

Following his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai oversaw various military operations targeting Boko Haram insurgents in northeastern Nigeria. Within the first few months of his tenure, Nigerian troops regained control of areas such as Gamboru Ngala, which had previously been under insurgent control.^{[12][13][14][15][16]}

On 25 July 2017, Buratai approved the promotion of 6,199 soldiers involved in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.^[17]

Buratai also initiated and commissioned various infrastructure and welfare-related projects for the Nigerian Army. These included the establishment of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches, residential buildings in locations such as Jaji and Khobe Cantonment (Plateau State), and water and guesthouse renovations.^[18][19]

During his tenure, several institutions and initiatives were launched, including:

• Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies, Biu
• Command Secondary School, Kebbi

• Nigerian Army Aviation Hangar, Jaji

• Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command
• Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company
• Army War College Nigeria
• Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Museum
• Nigerian Army Officers Wives Hospital.
• The land forces simulation centre.
• Army-owned housing estates (e.g., Tinapa and Otukpo Post Housing Developments)
• Army Agricultural Business Enterprise Limited
• Various Special Forces and Motorcycle Battalions
• Indigenous Infantry Patrol Vehicle and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) systems
• Establishment of the 6th and 8th Divisions
• Nigerian Language Training Institute.
• Rehabilitation of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.
• Civil-Military Relations & Non-Kinetic Operations: Promoted enhanced civil-military cooperation through community engagements, medical outreach, and support for Operation Safe Corridor, a deradicalization and reintegration programme for repentant insurgents. Preserved the apolitical ethos of the Nigerian Army, ensuring its subordination to democratic civil authority throughout his tenure.

· Strategic Visionary: Demonstrated a unique ability to conceptualize and implement a long-term, holistic vision for military transformation, moving beyond immediate operational needs to build enduring institutional capacity through the creation of universities, war colleges, and research centres.

• Operational Commander: Proven track record of translating strategic objectives into successful tactical outcomes on the battlefield, as evidenced by the recapture of territories and the degradation of potent insurgent groups across multiple operational theatres.
• Institutional Architect: The sheer breadth of initiatives—from establishing special forces and cyber commands to launching farms and investment schemes—showcases a systemic approach to building a modern, self-sufficient, and resilient fighting force.
• Person-Centric Leader: Recognized for consistently prioritizing the welfare and professional development of personnel, understanding that morale and well-being are fundamental to combat effectiveness and institutional loyalty. The modernization of army hospitals stands as a testament to this philosophy.
• Diplomatic & Collaborative: Effectively navigated complex multi-national military and diplomatic landscapes, fostering cooperation with neighbouring countries as MNJTF Force Commander and later as Ambassador, demonstrating strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.

Attended numerous tactical and strategic-level courses in Nigeria and abroad, including the Young Officers Course (Infantry),

• Anti-Tank Platoon Commanders’ Course,

• Watermanship Course, Disarmament,

• Demobilization and Re-integration Course (Canada), and the United Nations Staff and Logistics Officers’ Course (India).

Tukur Yusufu Buratai is associated with a number of publications, including works on leadership, military experience, and fictional narratives:

• The Legend of Buratai (2020) it's a mini or conscise autobiography of General Buratai targeted towards youths.^[20]
• Thoughts and Principles on Leadership (2022) – a work reflecting on leadership values and personal principles.^[21]
• Nigeria’s War on Terror – a publication discussing Nigeria’s counterinsurgency strategy and security operations.^[22]
• Makintakururi: The Disaster That Never Was – details currently unavailable.
• In the Mind of the General – details currently unavailable.

Buratai's promotion dates are^[6]

• Member, Historical Society of Nigeria

• Recipient of over 30 prestigious chieftaincy titles from various communities across Nigeria.

• Distinguished Fellow and Patron, Institute of Security, Nigeria (ISN).

Tukur Yusufu Buratai Co- founded the TY Buratai Human Care Foundation and Tukur Foundation are Non - Profit Organization focuses on advancement of human society through fostering access to justice for citizens and investing in human capital.

The NGOs TY Buratai Human Care Foundation in collaboration with Tukur Foundation organises free medical outreach over 1800 persons benefit from it in Kano State .^[24]

On 27th June TY Buratai Human Care Foundation has joined the Nigerian Army in paying tribute to 17 courageous soldiers killed during a fierce confrontation with suspected bandit in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The donated education materials and welfare to children,of those affected military personnel sacrifice for the nation's.^[25]

The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYLI) has distributed 40 assorted books to encouraging reading culture among school children in Gorau International School in Kaduna State, Nigeria.^[26]

Lt Gen Buratai's honors and awards include:

• Forces Service Star (FSS)
• Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
• Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
• Grand Service Star (GSS).
• Pass Staff Course Dagger (psc(+))
• Field Command Medal
• Training Support Medal
• Foreign National Honours Award Medal (FNHAM).
• Order of Military Merit (OMM), Brazil Highest Military Honour in 2017.
• United Nations Medal for Angolan Verification Medal II
• 2022 – Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)^[27]
• Honorary Doctor from Nigerian Army University, Biu

• TAFARKI, Gora, Nasarawa State.
• EBERE EKOO 1 of Alesa, Alesa Eleme, Rivers State.
• Barden Borgu, Niger State.
• Kauran Gusau, Zamfara State.
• Nye Oha I of ELele, Rivers State.
• Osiminyi of Agilaland, Ad'oba, Benue State.
• Sardaunan Bakoshi Kebbi State.
• Sarkin Yakin Kalgo, Kebbi State.
• Magayakin Kasar Hausa, Daura, Katsina State.
• KATUKAN GASHAKA Serti, Taraba State.
• Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland Ibadan.
• Ochi Oluje of Idomaland. Otukpo Benue State.
• DIKE EJI EJE OGU NKE MBU OBETITI NGURU MBAISE of Obetiti Nguru Autonomous Community of Aboh Mbaise LGA Imo State.
• Majen Doma, Nasarawa State.
• Shettiman Kili Bauchi State.
• Kachallan Darazo Bauchi State.
• DIKE EJI EJE MBA 1 of Amakohia Ubi, Imo State
• Uzo Yaare of Uhonmora (The Defender of the People). Uhonmora, Edo State.
• JARMAN MARADUN Zamfara State.
• KACHALLAH NGAWAMA - of Machinama Yobe State.
• EZE 1 OMENMA ELI OF ODUOHA OGBAKI Rivers State.
• GARKUWAN KEFFI. Nasarawa State.
• MAJIDADIN Uke. Nasarawa State.
• Birma Bwari Abuja FCT
• JAGUNMOLU OF SAKI KINGDOM, OYO STATE.
• Betara of Biu .
• Sadaukin Kauran Namoda Zamfara State
• Baakore of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State.
• Sadaukin Jajere, Yobe State.
• OCHIAGHA DIKE EJI EJE OGU - AGULERI ANAMBRA STATE .
• Garkuwan Yunusar, Yobe State.
• KHITUK Gwong kafanchan, Kaduna State.

Tukur Yusufu Buratai is married and blessed with eight children's four male, four female. His hobbies are farming, squash racket and jogging.