Army Chiefs Issue Strong Warning to Sahara Reporters Over Allegations
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
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A major controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s security and media landscape following a strongly worded statement issued on behalf of two former Chiefs of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), CFR, and equally his immediate successor, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd) in reaction to an online report by Sahara Reporters alleging links between the retired Army chiefs and individuals described as terrorism financiers.
The statement, signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), mni, fnipr, vehemently denounced the publication, describing it as “false, unfounded, mischievous and a deliberate smear campaign designed to tarnish Buratai, Yahya’s names and reputation.”
According to the retired officers, Sahara Reporters relied solely on the “unverified, personal claims” of Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd) to circulate what they called a malicious narrative completely detached from facts, legal processes, or the retired ambassador’s distinguished record.
The statement noted that: At no point in Buratai’s military career or diplomatic service has he ever been
questioned, investigated, indicted, or mentioned by any authority regarding terrorism financing.
No Nigerian or foreign security institution, intelligence agency, judicial panel, or diplomatic office has ever linked him to terrorism or its sponsors. The accusations contradict the professional history of an officer who spent over four decades fighting terrorism.
The retired generals insisted that Sahara Reporters’ publication is “entirely fabricated and inconsistent with established records,” arguing that the platform has developed a pattern of targeting Buratai with malicious stories that ultimately fail due to lack of evidence.
Explaining further Buratai’s legacy in counterterrorism efforts, the statement emphasized that if there is any Nigerian military figure whose life and career have been fundamentally defined by the fight against terrorism, it is Lieutenant General T.Y. Buratai.
Gen. Kukasheka says during Buratai’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army significantly degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP, particularly between 2015 and 2020. Several local government areas previously under insurgent occupation were recovered. Civil authority was restored in many communities. Thousands of displaced persons returned to their homes following stabilization operations.
The retired military chiefs argued that it “defies logic and conscience” to associate Buratai who led the most extensive counterterrorism operations in Nigeria’s recent history with terrorism financiers.
In a clear and direct warning, the army chieftains demand for retraction, public apology and called on Sahara Reporters and Maj-Gen Ali-Keffi (rtd) to: “Immediately retract the publication and tender an unreserved public apology to Buratai and Yahaya.”
Failure to comply, the former Army chiefs said, will compel them to initiate legal proceedings to protect Buratai’s reputation and seek redress.
This firm demand underscores the seriousness with which the retired military hierarchy views the publication, which they believe may mislead the public and damage the credibility of national security institutions.
The former Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Gen. Kukasheka says Buratai focused on peace, scholarship and national development. affirming that he remains committed to his post-service engagements. These include: Academic research and lectures, national security and defence policy contributions, peace building and conflict resolution advocacy, philanthropic initiatives supporting communities and youth development.
His supporters maintain that his legacy is “well documented, intact, and insulated against unfounded narratives.”
In the same vein, a broader debate on media ethics and national security fills the space due to the confrontation between former top military commanders and the online platform, also reopening a longstanding national conversation on the responsibilities of the media when reporting security related matters, the use of unverified sources in sensitive allegations, the potential consequences of misinformation on public trust, and the reputational risks faced by security leaders amid Nigeria’s complex fight against terrorism.
Security experts argue that while press freedom is vital, allegations of terrorism financing demand rigorous verification due to their national and international implications.
As the controversy unfolds, the call for retraction and possible legal action marks yet another chapter in the tense relationship between Sahara Reporters and prominent public officials. Whether the platform will stand by its publication or respond to the demands of the retired military hierarchy remains to be seen.
For now, the former Army chiefs insist that Generals Tukur Yusufu Buratai and Faruk Yahaya’s names must not be dragged into baseless narratives, stressing that their legacy of service to Nigeria’s security and stability speaks for itself.
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