Ex-COAS Buratai Rejects Terrorism Link, Demands Retraction From Media Platform
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A statement issued on Wednesday by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), on behalf of former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has firmly dismissed allegations linking the retired Army Chief to terrorism financing.
The publication, credited to Sahara Reporters, alleged that General Buratai was connected to individuals identified as terrorism financiers. The former Army Chief’s camp has described the claims as false, malicious, and entirely unfounded, insisting they amount to a deliberate smear campaign targeted at damaging his reputation.
According to the statement, General Buratai has never been questioned, investigated, or indicted by any security, intelligence, judicial, or diplomatic body in relation to terrorism financing throughout his decades-long military and diplomatic career. The rebuttal notes that the publication relied solely on what it described as the “unverified claims” of retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, dismissing them as a gross misrepresentation lacking factual or legal basis.
The statement further accused Sahara Reporters of a longstanding pattern of publishing defamatory reports against the former Army Chief, stressing that previous attempts to malign him had failed because of his transparent and honourable public service record.
Highlighting his achievements, the statement recalled that under Buratai’s leadership, the Nigerian Army significantly weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaimed occupied territories, restored civil authority, and facilitated the return of displaced residents. It described as illogical any suggestion that he would be associated with the same elements he spent years battling.
The Buratai camp has called on Sahara Reporters and Ali-Keffi to immediately retract the publication and issue an unreserved public apology. It warned that failure to comply would result in legal action to protect the former Army Chief’s reputation.
General Buratai, the statement added, remains focused on academic work, policy advisory roles, peace advocacy, and philanthropy—areas he has devoted himself to since leaving public office.
