Former Chief of Army Staff and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has strongly rejected claims published by Sahara Reporters linking him to individuals alleged to be terrorism financiers.
In a statement issued by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Buratai described the publication as false, unfounded, mischievous, and a deliberate smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation.
The report by Sahara Reporters had relied on personal claims reportedly made by Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd). However, Buratai’s camp insists the claims lack credibility and are not backed by any official record.
According to the statement, at no time in Buratai’s military or diplomatic career has he been questioned, investigated, indicted, or linked to terrorism financing by any Nigerian or international security or oversight institution.
“No security institution, intelligence agency, judicial panel, diplomatic mission, oversight mechanism, or administrative body has ever linked him with terrorism financing in any form,” the statement said.
The former Army Chief accused Sahara Reporters of sustaining a pattern of attempting to malign his name, noting that such efforts have repeatedly failed because his record remains transparent and honourable.
Highlighting his decades-long military service, Usman said Buratai’s leadership was pivotal in degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaiming captured territories, restoring civil authority in affected communities, and resettling displaced Nigerians.
“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.
Buratai has demanded an immediate retraction of the report and an unreserved public apology from Sahara Reporters and Ali-Keffi. Failure to comply, he warned, would lead to legal action to protect his reputation.
The statement further noted that the retired general remains focused on academic work, policy engagements, peace advocacy, and philanthropy aimed at strengthening national development.
