Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has denied claims linking him, “directly or indirectly,” to terrorism financing, describing the allegations as entirely fabricated.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by his former spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Buratai said the insinuations are inconsistent with facts and contradict his lifelong commitment to defending Nigeria against terrorism.
The statement condemned the allegations as “false, unfounded, mischievous, and part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his name and reputation.”
It emphasized that throughout his distinguished career, Buratai has never been investigated, questioned, indicted, or associated with terrorism financing by any security agency, intelligence body, judicial panel, or administrative authority.
“The narrative being propagated by Sahara Reporters, relying solely on the unverified personal claims of Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd), is a deliberate misrepresentation, devoid of any factual or legal basis,” the statement added.
Buratai’s team expressed regret, though not surprise, at the attempt to besmirch his reputation, noting that similar efforts over the years have failed due to his transparent record and honorable service.
Highlighting his four decades of military service, the statement recalled that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army significantly weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP, recaptured occupied territories, restored civil governance, and returned displaced Nigerians to their homes.
“It is illogical and unconscionable to suggest that the same person who led decisive campaigns against terrorism could be linked to the very groups he spent his career combating,” the statement said.
Buratai’s office demanded that Sahara Reporters and Major General Ali-Keffi (rtd) retract the publication and issue a public apology.
Failure to comply, it warned, would compel them to pursue legal action to defend Buratai’s reputation and seek redress for the alleged malicious claims.
