Former Chief of Army Staff and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, His Excellency Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), CFR, has firmly rejected a recent publication by Sahara Reporters which attempted to link him to alleged terrorism financiers.
In an official rejoinder signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), mni, fnipr, the retired army chief described the report as “false, unfounded, mischievous and a deliberate smear campaign engineered to malign his reputation.” The statement emphasized that the publication relied solely on the personal claims of retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, without evidence, due process or any factual grounding.
According to the rebuttal, at no point during Buratai’s distinguished 40-year military career has he ever been investigated, invited, or indicted in relation to terrorism financing by any security, intelligence, judicial or administrative institution. Instead, the statement recalled his tenure as Chief of Army Staff during which the military reclaimed local government areas previously occupied by insurgents, restored civil authority, and enabled the return of displaced communities—milestones widely recognized in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
The statement further accused Sahara Reporters of repeatedly pushing unverified claims against the former Army Chief, insisting that such attempts have consistently collapsed in the face of his transparent record and service to the nation. It demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from both Sahara Reporters and Ali-Keffi, warning that legal action will be taken should the publication remain unwithdrawn.
Now actively involved in academic research, policy development and peace-building initiatives, Lieutenant General Buratai reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s growth and stability, stating that no amount of misinformation or orchestrated smear campaigns will erode his legacy of patriotic service.
