Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has described as false and malicious, allegations linking him to individuals purportedly involved in terrorism financing.
The allegation, credited to Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi, rtd, claimed that the former army chief had ties to suspected terror financiers.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, rtd, on Saturday in Abuja, Yahaya described the claims as spurious, baseless and entirely untrue.
“At no point in his career, before, during, or after serving as Chief of Army Staff, did Lt.-Gen. Yahaya have any direct or indirect association with anyone involved in terrorism financing or activities that undermine national security,” he said.
Yahaya accused Ali-Keffi of pursuing a personal vendetta rooted in disciplinary actions taken against him while in service, adding that the publication was malicious and devoid of factual foundation.
“These allegations run contrary to Gen. Yahaya’s impeccable service record, professional integrity and lifelong commitment to the defence of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former army chief demanded an immediate retraction from Ali-Keffi, Sahara Reporters and others circulating the report, warning that failure to do so would attract legal action to protect his name and reputation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, saying the national effort required responsibility, patriotism and truth, not propaganda driven by personal grudges.
