Journalist Unveils 3 Books Highlighting Nigerian Army’s Exploits Under Buratai
Three books highlighting fearlessness, doggedness and the unwavering determination of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces in general, was today launched in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
The books, which are in honour of the Former Chief of Army Staff and the immediate past Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Burutai were written by Jibrin Baba Ndace, giving his account of Nigeria’s counter insurgency operations under General Buratai as an embedded Journalist.
The Three books written in Honour of the former Nigerian Army Chief are titled “Walking the War Front” “Duty Calls” and “The Lonely Grave”.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor spoke of the fund memories of working with General Turkur Buratai and the journalist through the thick of insurgency.
He congratulated the author, Jibrin Ndace whom he said truly deserves the warm remarks, as he is a highly committed individual, a core professional journalist, a patriotic Nigerian who has shown so much commitment in supporting the armed forces and other stakeholders that made one contribution or the other in the counter terrorism and counter insurgency efforts.
“Let me specially thank Jibrin Ndace for the written and the unwritten contributions which he has made, I believe our country should celebrate some persons and I am hopeful our country would celebrate and recognise silent achievers and contributors to the development of our nation. I believe that Ndace is qualified to be recognised as such”.
General Lucky Irabor also spoke highly of General Adeosun and General Buratai for their ability to identify the key role of media operations and how it can be infused into kinetic actions, which led to the imbedding of Journalist into the Nigerian Army tours.
General Buratai in who’s Honour the Trilogy were written expressed pride for the work done by Jibrin Ndace and said it is a great thing that records are being kept for posterity.
While paying tribute to the fallen heroes, General Buratai appreciated the Service Chiefs for maintaining the momentum.
Embedded Journalist
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According to General Buratai, the idea of embedding journalist came about in Nigeria’s History as one of the strategies to ensure that the propaganda by Boko haram terrorists was eliminated as such “we ensured press go along with us to achieve this purpose which is one of the results of this launch today.”
“Among these embedded journalists are Mohammed Abdulkadri of NTA, Ben Shamang of Voice of Nigeria, Blessing Otunu of Channels Maiduguri, Brenda Ngusur amongst others who were well Coordinated by General Sani Kukasheka Usman” stated General Buratai.
The trilogy Books
The Former Army Chief pointed out that being a historian himself, he knows the importance of records, while expressing pride over the author whom he described as a courageous journalist and a selfless person.
The book reviewer, former Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, General SK Usman said the book, “Duty Calls”, a 281 paged account showcases the unwavering determination of the armed forces while “Walking the War” highlights fearlessness and makes for a compelling read for all journalist in the defence and security beats and anyone interested in General Buratai’s exploits.
Another Reviewer, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Dr. Ahmed Awwal Haruna said the writer remained resolute and committed despite being a civilian to document the details.
He described the “Lonely Grave” as a mixture of strange talk and poetry which highlights those who promote ethnicity and things that do not promote nationhood as well as service, commitment among other qualities while ‘Duty calls’ talks about the combatants and the sacrifices they make for the nation.
The Author Mr. Jibrin Ndace said “it became important that we tell our stories by ourselves with our narratives, hence the decision to write these books”.
He pointed out that “It is important to also single out those committing offenses in the military rather than castigate a whole institution that works tirelessly for the wellbeing of the country”.
The book launch witnessed a turnout of government officials, political elites, member of the Armed Forces both serving and retired, royal father including the Emir of Kagara Representing Etsu Nupe and Emir of Biu, Mai Umar Mustapha Umar II, journalist amongst others.
