NEWS
Buratai: A Star Boy From Another Planet
By Abubakar B Tsav
An American literary pundit, Joseph John Campbell has archetypal veneration of heroes in all his fictional works. He does not see them as ordinary beings; but people specially endowed and who derive the true worth of existence from their peculiar and unique impacts on the universe. In a time-tested aphorism, Campbell says, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
This literary guru cannot be less accurate and persuasive in opening the eyes of the world to his recognition of the innate worth of heroes. Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff and Leader of the counter-insurgency operations in the country, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai comes to mind, each time one reflects deeply on the concept of heroism.
A terrorist is hated with a passion. He is dreaded in Nigeria, like in any part of the world. His limitless taste for bloodshed and destructions rates him higher than Lucifer. He is resented and avoided, like a killer plaque. No one wishes to be his neighbor or share the same territory with him. Not every trained fighter or soldier is willing to fight terrorism wars. Their blades and bombs neither have enemies nor friends.
Only extremely courageous soldiers or armies confront insurgency and post triumphant outcomes. Nigeria was under a chilling spell of Boko Haram terrorism. They went berserk to the point of threatening leaders opposed to their atrocious acts with attacks.
And for more than seven years, Boko Haram held Nigerians haughtily in captivity, brandishing swords and valour everywhere in the land. They passed as untouchables as reflected in killings, abductions, sexual harassments and forced marriages of female hostages, destructions and seizure of Nigerian territories.
But President Muhammdu Buhari gave them the hardest punch, by his appointment of Gen Buratai, as COAS, a rugged soldier and living encyclopedia of the guerrilla and asymmetric war strategies of insurgents. An unsung hero no doubt, but Buratai knows how to play the war game and he is effective at it. So, he moved aggressively after terrorists, when others feared.
But the Army Chief is not a giant of sort; he is very self-effacing and can hardly be noticed even in a tiny crowd, if he appears in mufti. He beams with smiles intermittently; but beneath this receptive mien; is a roaring lion of the trenches. He is a perfect description of a hero by HenryDavid Thoreau as “…commonly the simplest and obscurest of men.”
But Buratai, the lanky, flat-bellied Army General, a core professional, super intellectual and dynamite in military strategies and tactics, sparks admiration because he radiates with splendor on the job. In spite of his high office and clout in the country, he still exudes traces of that little boy from a humble family in the obscure community of Biu, Borno State. This forlorne community is where another star boy was dashed to the country through the Nigerian Army.
He has uncommon leadership traits. While most African leaders, speak before they think, Gen. Buratai belongs to the exceptional breed of leaders who first grasp their thoughts on any issue before any verbal exercise. He sticks to his words like bees on honey. These leadership qualities have always distinguished him from the lot, anywhere he is entrusted to lead.
Buratai fulfilled his promise of decimating and defeating the Boko Haram insurgency by December 2015 in his maiden interface with a nation troubled by insurgency shortly after his appointment as COAS. The Army Chief also vowed to reclaim the over 24 LGAs in the Northeast under the captivity of Boko Haram. And he has done just it.
He pledged to rescue every Nigerian held hostage by insurgents. And today, nearly 20,000 Nigerians, men, women and children have been rescued by the Army and reunited with their beloved families.
Gen. Buratai pledged to change the narrative in the operations against Boko Haram in order to fortify their final routing of insurgents out of Nigeria. And in consonance with his pledge, he led troops to relentlessly and assiduously work on this plan. Its most outstanding relic is the demystification and conquest of the dreaded terrorists haven, Sambisa Forest in Borno. He penetrated it to Camp Zero which previously served as refuge camp for insurgents, including their top commanders and foot soldiers.
What the Army accomplished on Sambisa Forest can only be appreciated, when gleaned from the perspective that three or four of Gen. Buratai’s predecessors could not dare insurgents in the forest. Even the abducted Chibok schoolgirls were initially housed in a transit camp in Sambisa forest for weeks before their eventual evacuation, to an unknown destination, while leadership of the nation engaged in denials of its veracity. But even when it was confirmed, nobody was courageous enough to attack Sambisa forest.
Therefore, Gen. Buratai believes in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s wisdom which says, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” So, he adopted fresh strategies at every stage in the anti-terrorism combats, launching operations, some with localized code names which appealed to the natives and also, answered clearly to an aspect of the assignment he wants done.
He prepared, empowered and supervised troops for a specific job and ensured it is executed within the stipulated time. And the quantum of these specialized operations across Nigeria where insurgencies or insurrectional problems existed is an expression of Gen. Buratai’s focus, purposefulness and the overriding desire to deliver on his mandate.
He has launched Operation Lafiya Dole (Peace By All Means) which is responsible for containing the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast; there was “Operation Delta Safe”, staged to extricate theNiger Delta from armed militants, illegal oil bunkerers, vandals, kidnappers and allied armed criminals. And Southest’s “Operation Python Dance,” guillotined the wings of armed secession agitators.
Nigeria has seen “Operation Gama Aiki,” (the work is finished)targeting fleeing terrorists, displaced by “Operation Crackdown,” conceptualized to clear Boko Haram slackers from the expansive Sambisa Forest, and rescue hostages, by linking the border regions with Chad and Niger Republic.
“Operation Awatse” was initiated to break the stranglehold and operational bases of pipeline vandals and militants in the Southwest. While “Operation Sharan Daji” designed for Northwest Nigeria to tackle cattle-rustling, kidnapping and armed banditry in the region. At the resurgence of the same criminal acts after soldiers pulled, “Operation Harbin Kunama,” was again launched.
Also, “Operation Safe Corridor” with a mandate to de-radicalize and rehabilitate repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
Gen. Buratai dashed ethno-religious warlords and other armed militia in North Central states, “Operation Ayem Akpatuma,” and in the same Northeast, “Operation LAST HOLD” has registered its presence, ensuring the return of IDPs and facilitation of animated fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin.
Ayem Akpatuma was structured to curtail the herders/farmers skirmishes; flush out armed militia and restore peace to troubled communities. The list is endless and each of the specialized operation has fulfilled its mission, without any complaint of human rights violations of members of host communities by army personnel.
It explains why when Nigerians became exasperated by the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks by remnants of the fleeing sects, spurred by partisanship, Gen. Buratai remained unperturbed and confident that his troops will repress them. Those who think Boko Haram insurgents are happy losing the Sambisa forest to the Nigerian Army are living dreamland. The insurgents plot day and night to reclaim the forest; but there is no hope of success.
Just within the week screeching to an end, Nigerian troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole twice crushed Boko Haram fighters at Mallam Fatori, in Borno State. Many insurgents were killed in the exchange of gunfire and weapons recovered from them, including10 gun trucks and ammunitions.
In essence, Gen. Buratai has dispensed himself over the years in his career as a super star, who has discharged his mandate creditably. He is an apostle of the philosophical conviction ofChristopher Reeve, who prods that “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
Tsav CP rtd is Former Public Complaints Commissioner of the Federation and contributed this piece from Makurdi, Benue State.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called for transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of tax revenues to infrastructure development as part of the sweeping tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She spoke at the inaugural distinguished parliamentarian lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps with the theme “navigating tax reforms in Nigeria: Insights on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies”.
The lecture was delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives are Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limiter Yakubu Dogara.
The NUJ Chairman said the tax reforms represent bold steps toward modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal system, broadening the tax base, and reducing over-dependence on oil revenues.
She said “Tax reform is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing bold steps aimed at modernizing and strengthening our tax system”.
Ike commended the administration’s commitment, emphasizing that the success of the reforms depends on how well revenues are used to improve infrastructure and the quality of life for citizens.
“We must place emphasis on improved infrastructures, urging the government to deploy taxes effectively,” she noted.
The NUJ FCT Chair stressed the need for clear communication of the policies so Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities.
She said the media has a central role in fostering dialogue and building public trust in the reforms.
“The media must provide accurate, unbiased information and foster public dialogue to build trust in these reforms. Transparency and accountability should guide every stage of implementation to protect the interests of all Nigerians,” she stated.
Ike also urged collaboration among all stakeholders, including lawmakers, the executive, civil society, and the media, to ensure the reforms deliver tangible benefits.
“Our collective goal must be a Nigeria with a robust economy, where tax policies contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life for every citizen,” she added.
She commended the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for making the lecture a reality, describing it as a platform that will enrich public policy engagement.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran said taxation has become one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today, with multiple narratives circulating about petroleum tax, data tax, and requirements such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for bank operations.
He said the newly introduced Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture is designed to bridge the gap between the legislature and the public by simplifying parliamentary activities and clarifying national issues.
“As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” he said.
The Press Corps chairman explained that the aim of the lecture is to create a platform where distinguished parliamentarians, past and present, can share knowledge and provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature.
“This is vital, because the legislature remains the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria,” he added.
Onadiran described the inaugural guest lecturer, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, as a statesman whose insights would enrich discourse on tax reforms and national development.
“As Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, he presided over the passage of historic bills, set legislative records, and distinguished himself as a bridge-builder committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture, Philip Nyiam, said the initiative marks a new chapter for the Press Corps, positioning journalists as agenda setters and contributors to national development beyond routine reporting.
Nyiam said the Press Corps was determined to expand its role by enlightening Nigerians on issues of national interest.
“This is a novel in the history of the House Press Corps. It is part of efforts to change the narrative where journalists are seen as only reporting press releases, statements and conferences. As the watchdog of society, we are also agenda setters and we also enlighten society on key issues of national interest,” he stated.
He explained that the lecture was organised to demystify President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which has sparked apprehension and debate since the law came into effect.
According to him, the event provides a platform to address controversies around the reforms and their place in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
“This will be the contribution of the Press Corps to the growth of our nation and the sustenance of democracy and good governance,” Nyiam added.
He said the choice of the guest lecturer, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives and current Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd., was deliberate, given his experience, courage, and record of legislative achievements.
Nyiam expressed confidence that the deliberations would enrich national discourse on tax reforms and governance.
...Backs Governor Idris, President Tinubu’s Security Drive
Members of Kebbi State Caucus of the National Assembly on Friday called for the arrest and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami over the breach of public peace which occurred last week.
Speaking on behalf of the Caucus during a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator representing Kebbi Central, Senator Adamu Aliero who responded to the baseless petition dated 10th September , 2025 initiated by Malami, pledged support for Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on his tiredness efforts to maintain law and order in the State.
Senator Alero who was flanked by two Senators and Members of the House of Representatives Kebbi State Caucus, said: “The attention of the Kebbi State APC National Assembly Caucus has been drawn to a petition authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, dated 10th September 2025, in which he alleged that His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), Governor of Kebbi State and other political actors are involved in Importation of Political Thugs, Foreign Mercenaries and Clandestine Arms Deals in the state.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, unfounded and politically motivated. They represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.
“Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital. These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor.
“Their actions led to violent clashes with APC supporters — an unprecedented development in Kebbi politics, which has always been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state.
“At no time has the Kebbi State Government, nor the APC family, been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously signed personally by the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with security agencies and the overwhelming support of our patriotic citizens. It is important to note that the state Governor has demonstrated great Capacity and performance in the Security sector above all expectations and this is responsible for the Peace that the state has enjoyed compared to other states since the Governors assumption of Office
“We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is — a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance. Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation.
“The Caucus further urges security agencies to focus their efforts on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics. We reaffirm our unwavering support for all security agencies working tirelessly to keep our borders safe and our communities peaceful and this sort of negative narratives are designed to undermine the efforts of the security agencies. We urge you not to be deterred. We also urge you to invite to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations.
“As elected representatives of the people of Kebbi State, we stand solidly behind Governor Nasir Idris and the APC administration. Together, we remain committed to delivering good governance, strengthening democracy and protecting the peace and dignity of our state.”
On his part, Senator representing Kebbi South, Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki who described APC as a peaceful party, said: “We want to put it on record that Malami’s house is less than 50 meters from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, and that sequence to that convoy.
“The national chairman of the INEC actually has warned that the political campaign has not started. It’s a campaign style moving in order to provoke our people. And we challenge him to produce evidence to you that there are… He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it, that our party is importing weapons. We are not a dangerous people.
“We do not support any dangerous activity towards Nigeria. We do not support We do not support terrorism in whatever form and manner. And we are against it. We are going to fight it.”
Senator Maidoki also applauded President Bola Tinubu efforts in the fight against insecurity, saying: “The President has done so well in the fight of banditry today. Before we came in, in my own constituency, we have more than 100 villages that have been abandoned and evacuated.
“But to the glory of God today, all the villages have gone back. That is not to say we don’t have challenge. We still have a long way to go. But we have done progress and we are expecting more progress. We will not be associated with any banditry. We reject that call. And we ask him to produce the results.”
NEWS
BTO Renewed Hope Media Team Commends President Tinubu’s Achievements, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Transformative Impact
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what it described as “bold, transformative reforms” that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued on Monday, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that are reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural, and institutional landscape.
The statement highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, which have freed up resources for national development and sent strong signals to investors about Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline. It also cited the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the ₦100 billion Sovereign Sukuk loan, describing these steps as evidence of responsible economic management.
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team gave special commendation to the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, applauding what it called his “transformative contributions” to effective governance. It particularly praised the ministry’s “historic feat” of clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, a move it said has restored citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.
“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement read. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”
Beyond passport reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has also spearheaded an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system. Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.
In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has repeatedly stressed this in his policy drive: “I don’t want our correctional centres to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitatory, and, of course, reformatory, and that’s what I want to see,” he said, reiterating his resolve to redefine the role of custodial facilities in national development.
The Abakaliki NOUN Special Study Centre embodies this philosophy in action. Inaugurated by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche, the centre was made possible through collaborative partnerships between government, private foundations, and development organisations. The building housing the facility was fully renovated and furnished by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, while the Sudan Mission Foundation in the Netherlands equipped the centre with modern educational tools, ensuring that inmates have access to resources on par with regular university campuses.
During the inauguration, the Controller-General noted that the initiative signifies a shift in priorities for correctional management in Nigeria, emphasising that corrections should focus on redeeming lives rather than condemning them. He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for sustaining the partnership that has so far established 15 correctional study centres nationwide, giving inmates across the country access to quality higher education.
The impact of this initiative is already evident in Abakaliki. Twenty-eight inmates have enrolled as pioneer students, 25 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while three are working toward their master’s programmes. The state controller of the correctional centre, Offem Bessie, described the development as “the opening of new doors of hope, opportunities, and transformation.” She highlighted that inmates now have the chance to upgrade their educational status and reshape their futures while serving their sentences, aligning with global best practices and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised the determination and resilience of the enrolled inmates, commending them for embracing education despite their current circumstances. He pledged that his foundation would fully support the pioneer students by covering tuition, books, and other learning materials to ensure they complete their studies without financial obstacles. “Being an inmate should not deprive anyone of the right to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that education remains one of the most powerful tools for reform and reintegration.
Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, the National Coordinator of NOUN Special Study Centres, provided further insight into the scale of these reforms. According to her, over 2,000 inmates across Nigeria have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programmes, with 207 graduating from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 12 custodial centres. With Abakaliki Correctional Centre now becoming the 15th facility approved by NOUN, more inmates than ever before will gain access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship opportunities.
These strides in prison education are complemented by other innovative reforms introduced under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. One of the flagship initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated showroom in Maiduguri, where products handcrafted by inmates are displayed and sold to the public. Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the programme equips inmates with vital vocational skills, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while generating income.
The broader vision is clear: to create a correctional system that produces reformed, skilled, and responsible citizens capable of reintegration and positive contributions to the national economy. This approach has earned Nigeria commendation from international partners, who have lauded the ministry’s commitment to aligning correctional practices with global standards while upholding human dignity and promoting second chances.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms reflect a deliberate shift from punitive incarceration to restorative justice. Rather than merely punishing offenders, the government is investing in programmes that equip inmates with education, vocational expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and provide rehabilitated individuals with pathways to meaningful employment and self-reliance upon their release.
The synergy between the Ministry of Interior, NOUN, international partners, and local stakeholders has proven to be a catalyst for change. From transforming correctional centres into learning hubs to empowering inmates with practical skills, these reforms are reshaping the country’s justice and rehabilitation landscape. The Abakaliki study centre is a shining example of what is possible when reform-driven leadership is matched with collaboration and innovation.
For many inmates, the NOUN centre represents more than just classrooms and books; it symbolises hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. It underscores the government’s belief that every individual, regardless of past mistakes, deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.
Beyond the Ministry of Interior, the team highlighted other landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which grants zero-interest loans to tertiary institution students, the creation of new federal universities in Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, and the rollout of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project to deliver 6,612 housing units nationwide.
It also pointed to major infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and significant upgrades within the aviation sector, alongside President Tinubu’s legal victory over Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, which saved Nigeria a staggering $11.5 billion.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” the statement added. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with dedicated public servants like Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians are seeing concrete results, improved services, and governance that truly delivers.”
The team concluded by expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and deliver even more transformative dividends to Nigerians in the years ahead.
