By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Lance Corporal Chikere Vitus Enyioma, a devoted admirer of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), has shared compelling reasons why the retired general will always be remembered by Nigerians.

Enyioma credits Buratai with restoring honor to the Nigerian Army and laying a solid foundation for future generations.

In a heartfelt statement, Enyioma recounted his personal experiences: “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 many junior officers believed that our generals didn’t care about us. That perception changed when Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai took over command and began to truly serve Nigeria and the Army.”

Enyioma later served directly in Buratai’s office in Abuja as an orderly. He described the COAS as tireless and highly committed:

“There was a week during a major counter-insurgency operation when he worked day and night without rest. I witnessed him collapse from exhaustion during back-to-back meetings. Medical attention was quickly administered, and to my amazement, he returned immediately to his desk once he recovered. He never took leave throughout my time working with him.”

Enyioma highlighted the following key achievements under Gen. Buratai’s leadership:

Welfare and Personnel Development

Restoration of long-forgotten allowances.

Promotion of many non-commissioned officers and access to civilian and military educational programs.

Expansion of housing schemes and introduction of mortgage opportunities.

Enhanced healthcare services, including the establishment of Command and NAOWA Hospital in Abuja.

Emphasis on civil-military relations, fostering public trust.

Liberation of large territories in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states from Boko Haram.

Reopening of major highways such as Maiduguri–Bama and Damaturu–Maiduguri, restoring civil governance.

Formation of key units like the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command and the Army Aviation Corps to boost operational flexibility.

Acquisition of modern armored vehicles, artillery systems, and combat drones.

Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) – Established in 2018 to support innovation and military research.

Nigerian Army War College and Resource Centre (NARC) – For strategic leadership training.

Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies – For technical skill development.

Establishment of new divisions and brigades across the country including:

6th Division – Port Harcourt

8th Division – Sokoto

16 Brigade – Yenagoa

17 Brigade – Katsina

63 Brigade – Asaba

Infrastructure Development

Modernization of Army Headquarters Complex and Command Officers’ Mess in Abuja.

Construction of numerous barracks and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), such as:

FOB Daura – Katsina

FOB Okene – Kogi

FOB Buratai – Borno

Renovation of hospitals including 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna and others in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Maiduguri.

Introduction of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches to enhance food security and support soldier welfare.

Establishment of Command Science Secondary Schools to promote education among soldiers’ families.

Neutral stance and defense of democracy during elections, ensuring constitutional order.

After retirement, Buratai continued advocating for national security through cultural integration. He promoted Nigeria’s rich cultural values as a tool against criminality.

Enyioma concluded: “Harvard University became like an annex of the Nigerian Army under his tenure, shaping officers’ minds and preparing them beyond traditional institutions like the National Defence College and NIPSS. I’m a proud beneficiary of his vision. Gen. Buratai inspired many of us to believe in the Nigerian military again. He served tirelessly and restored honor to service. May Allah bless our legend of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”