Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has strongly denied a recent online media report alleging that he was involved in financing terrorism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (retd.), Buratai described the allegations—credited to retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi—as “false, unfounded, mischievous, and a deliberate smear campaign” aimed at damaging his reputation.
The statement emphasised that the claims were entirely fabricated, lacking both factual and legal backing. It noted that throughout Buratai’s over 40-year military career, he had never been investigated, questioned, or indicted by any security, intelligence, judicial or administrative body in relation to terrorism financing.
The statement partly read: “Rather, his leadership was credited with significantly degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaiming occupied territories, restoring governance, and resettling displaced citizens. For over four decades, Lieutenant General TY Buratai (rtd.) served this nation with honour, courage, and steadfast commitment to defeating terrorism.”
It added that it was illogical to associate Buratai with terrorist elements he spent much of his career fighting.
“It defies logic and conscience to suggest that the same person who led decisive actions against terrorism would in any way be associated with the very elements he spent his career confronting,” the statement added.
The former COAS also criticised the online platform responsible for the report, accusing it of a pattern of publishing unverified allegations against him. He insisted that such efforts had repeatedly failed due to his transparent and honourable record of service.
The statement demanded an immediate retraction of the publication and a public apology from both the platform and Ali-Keffi, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action to safeguard Buratai’s reputation.
