In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, July 29, Falana claimed that Buratai made the request when he had not submitted his letter of credence to Benin Republic’s President. He also said that he learnt there were attempts to throw Igboho in a waiting plane for return to Nigeria.

Falana said “In the case of Sunday Igboho, again despite my disagreement with him, I came out to say you cannot just throw him into a waiting plane as we were told, it was attempted.  You have to go to court. You have to make a request under international law, under the ECOWAS convention on extradition. The government of Nigeria is requested to submit an extradition request to the government of Benin Republic and so when the plenipotentiary, General Yusuf Buratai (retired), who at that time had not submitted his letters of credence asked that Igboho be handed over to him. He was told, ‘sorry, we operate the rule of law here. That is why that matter is still in court. Personally, I am strenuously opposed to the campaign for the balkanisation of Nigeria because I believe the masses of our people are oppressed by the ruling class and imperialism. To that extent, I have a fundamental ideological disagreement with those who are calling for the breakup of the country along ethnic lines. If a group of people decides to fight for the breakup of the country, the duty of the government is to try as much as possible to convince them to repose confidence in the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

The COAS said this in a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and Governors from the North-East states on Monday, August 10. He further disclosed that troops are sharing intelligence to rout the insurgents out of Borno.

Buratai was quoted saying in a statement released by Presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu “There are no Boko Haram terrorists in neighbouring states. They have been pushed out, and now cornered in Borno State. We are coordinating with civil and traditional authorities, mobilising and reinforcing and all we need is patience. We will not relent”

This is coming hours after some alleged soldiers were spotted cursing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Tukur Buratai in an undated video.

The Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, John Enenche said three members of the terrorist group were also killed in the ambush which occurred when troops of Combat Team 1, Operation Kantana Jimlan were on patrol along Buni Yadi – Buni Gari axis of Yobe State.

Eneche said soldiers encountered multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a Boko Haram ambush which occurred eight kilometres ahead of Buni-Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe. He further revealed that three soldiers sustained injuries as a result of the IED explosion.

The Defence Headquarters spokesperson added, “Three terrorists were neutralised, while unconfirmed number escaped with various degrees of injury.”