Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has strongly denied allegations published by Sahara Reporters linking him to individuals purported to be terrorism financiers.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Buratai described the report as false, unfounded, mischievous, and part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his longstanding reputation.
The publication, which relied on claims attributed to retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, was dismissed as lacking factual, legal, or institutional backing. According to the statement, no security agency, intelligence body, judicial panel, or diplomatic institution has ever questioned, investigated, or indicted Buratai in connection with terrorism financing throughout his career.
“The insinuation that His Excellency was connected, directly or indirectly, to terrorism financing is entirely fabricated and at complete variance with his values and lifelong commitment to defending Nigeria,” the statement said.
Usman noted that Sahara Reporters had made several unsuccessful attempts in the past to malign Buratai’s name, stressing that such efforts continue to fail due to his transparent and honourable record of service.
Buratai, who served over four decades in the Nigerian Army, is credited with leading major counterterrorism operations, degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaiming occupied territories, and restoring civil authority to areas previously under insurgent control. “It defies logic and conscience,” the statement added, “to suggest that the same person who led decisive operations against terrorists would be linked to those he fought against.”
The former Army Chief has demanded a retraction and a public apology from both Sahara Reporters and Ali-Keffi. He warned that failure to comply would result in legal action to protect his reputation.
Buratai, according to the statement, remains committed to academic engagements, policy development, peace advocacy, and philanthropy in support of national progress.
