Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has threatened legal action against Sahara Reporters and retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi over what he described as false and malicious allegations linking him to terrorism financing.
Buratai, the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, in a statement issued on his behalf by retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, on Saturday in Abuja, dismissed the allegation as “fabricated, unfounded and mischievous”.
He said the allegation was aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation, saying the report, which relied solely on claims by Ali-Keffi, had no factual or legal basis.
Buratai added that no security agency, intelligence outfit or judicial panel had ever questioned, investigated or indicted him for terrorism financing at any time in his career.
“The insinuation that Buratai was connected, directly or indirectly, to terrorism financing is entirely fabricated and inconsistent with facts.
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“It is a clear misrepresentation borne out of malice,” he said.
The former army chief accused Sahara Reporters of a pattern of targeted attacks, saying previous attempts to smear his name had failed because his records remained “forthright, transparent and distinguished.”
He said his more than 40 years of military service were defined by courage, professionalism and commitment to defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Burutai added that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army reclaimed territories, restored civil authority and returned displaced persons to their communities.
“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,” he added.
Buratai demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from both Sahara Reporters and Ali-Keffi, failing which he would “initiate appropriate legal proceedings to protect his reputation.”
The retired General said he remained focused on academic work, policy engagement, peace advocacy and philanthropy, adding that his legacy was documented and could not be diminished by “deliberate misinformation.” NAN
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