Immediate-past Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) says Nigerians do not fully appreciate the sacrifice troops make to combat insurgency in the country.
He said Nigerians would not have been so critical of the Army under his command if they did.
Buratai, who was recently confirmed as a non-career ambassador by the Senate, spoke on Saturday at Kuta, Osun State, at an interdenominational prayer organised for him by Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude.
The former Army chief said that he was ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents on three occasions but survived.
He spoke through Major Daniel Banjo (retd), his coursemate who represented him at the occasion.
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“At the war front, many things happened and Nigerians are not appreciative. Three times I was ambushed and jumped into the bush with my men and engaged the insurgents. My relationship with Olowu of Kuta is divine,” Buratai said.
Speaking at the event, Oba Oyelude assured Buratai of his community’s support for him personally and the military in general.
Praising the ex-Army chief’s contribution to his kingdom, the monarch said, “For decades, several prominent political officeholders have tried to help us construct Ede/Kuta Bridge, but they could not, but on bringing the request before Lt. General Buratai, he granted it and ensure it was built.
“This is enough achievement for me as a monarch. The bridge is almost a hundred years and now the communities in this area have been linked and the villagers are now liberated.
“My support for the army was borne out of the fact that Buratai is a detribalised Nigerian and the most humane to serve as Army boss. The nation can only enjoy peace if we support the army to succeed in its quest to battle insecurity irrespective of who is in control.”
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