Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has threatened to take legal action against Sahara Reporters and retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi over claims linking him to terrorism financing, which he described as false and malicious.
In a statement issued on his behalf by retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on Saturday in Abuja, Buratai dismissed the allegations as “fabricated, unfounded and mischievous.”
“The insinuation that Buratai was connected, directly or indirectly, to terrorism financing is entirely fabricated and inconsistent with facts. It is a clear misrepresentation borne out of malice,” the statement said.
Buratai stressed that the report, which relied solely on claims by Ali-Keffi, had no factual or legal basis and was aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation. He noted that no security agency, intelligence outfit, or judicial panel had ever questioned, investigated, or indicted him for terrorism financing at any point in his career.
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The retired army chief accused Sahara Reporters of a pattern of targeted attacks, emphasizing that previous attempts to tarnish his name had failed because his records remained “forthright, transparent and distinguished.” He highlighted that his over 40 years of military service were defined by courage, professionalism, and commitment to defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“It defies logic to suggest that the same person who led decisive actions against terrorism would be associated with the very elements he spent his career confronting,” Buratai said.
He further noted that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army reclaimed territories, restored civil authority, and returned displaced persons to their communities.
Buratai has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from both Sahara Reporters and Ali-Keffi, warning that failure to comply would compel him to “initiate appropriate legal proceedings to protect his reputation.”
The retired General added that he remains focused on academic work, policy engagement, peace advocacy, and philanthropy, asserting that his legacy is documented and cannot be diminished by deliberate misinformation.
