By Nworisa Michael
Former Chief of Army Staff and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), has announced plans to take legal action against online news platform Sahara Reporters and Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd.) following allegations linking him to terrorism financing.
The allegation, first published by Sahara Reporters and attributed to claims made by Ali-Keffi, insinuated that the former army chief was involved in activities that required investigation for terrorist financing. Buratai has now responded strongly, describing the claim as false, dangerous, malicious, and completely baseless.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by former Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (rtd.), Buratai condemned the publication as a calculated attempt to tarnish a reputation he built over more than four decades of distinguished military service.
According to the statement, Buratai made it clear that the allegation lacks any form of factual, legal, or intelligence support. He emphasized that throughout his military career, no security agency, intelligence unit, or judicial panel ever invited, investigated, questioned, or indicted him for terrorism financing or any crime related to national security.
He insisted that the report was a deliberate misinformation strategy, designed solely to mislead the public and smear his name. He described it as a piece of sensational journalism that is entirely inconsistent with documented facts and his well-established record.
The statement noted that it was “illogical and irresponsible” for anyone to link him to terrorism financing when he dedicated his life to combating Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist networks that threatened Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Buratai accused Sahara Reporters of engaging in what he termed a long-running pattern of targeted media attacks against him. He said the platform had on several occasions published unverified, speculative, and inflammatory reports about him, none of which had ever been substantiated.
He stressed that this latest publication fits into the same pattern of character assassination and that he is now fully prepared to challenge the matter legally to put an end to the persistent misinformation.
The former army chief reminded the public of his track record in leading Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and other terror groups. He highlighted his leadership during operations that reclaimed occupied territories, restored civil authority across affected states, and facilitated the safe return of thousands of displaced persons.
He described his stewardship as one marked by transparency, courage, and deep commitment to national security. According to him, all actions taken under his watch were documented, reviewed, and executed in the interest of national stability.
Buratai made it clear that he will not permit the falsehood to remain unchallenged. He demanded an immediate retraction of the publication by Sahara Reporters and a public apology from both the platform and Maj.-Gen. Ali-Keffi. He said the refusal of any of the parties to heed this demand would leave him with no option but to proceed with comprehensive legal proceedings aimed at holding them accountable for defamatory conduct.
He emphasized that reputation-damaging allegations carry consequences and that those who spread them must be prepared to face the legal implications.
Buratai concluded by noting that he is currently focused on academic work, security policy engagement, peace advocacy, and humanitarian programmes. He maintained that no amount of misinformation or media distortion can erase his contributions to Nigeria’s military history or undermine his documented achievements.
He assured that his legacy remains secured, verifiable, and supported by facts rather than sensational narratives.