Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd), has strongly refuted allegations linking him to individuals accused of terror financing, describing them as false, malicious, and completely unfounded.
The allegations, reportedly made by retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, claimed that Yahaya maintained associations with suspected terror financiers during his tenure as Army Chief.
In a statement issued on Saturday by retired Brigadier General Sani Usman, Yahaya said the claims were concocted with the sole intent of tarnishing his reputation and undermining his decades-long service to Nigeria.
According to the statement, Yahaya emphasised that at no point in his military career — before, during, or after serving as Chief of Army Staff — did he have any direct or indirect relationship with individuals or organisations involved in terrorism financing or activities harmful to Nigeria’s security.
He attributed the allegations to a long-standing personal grudge, stating that Ali-Keffi had unresolved grievances stemming from disciplinary actions taken against him while in service.
Yahaya also criticised the media outlet that published the claims, accusing it of failing to verify the accuracy of the allegations before publication. He described such behaviour as irresponsible journalism that not only misinforms the public but also undermines the national fight against terrorism.
Reasserting his integrity and commitment to national security, the former Army Chief noted that his modest lifestyle and professional record contradict any suggestion of wrongdoing. He demanded an immediate public retraction from Ali-Keffi and all parties circulating the allegations.
Yahaya warned that failure to withdraw the claims would leave him no choice but to pursue legal action to defend his name and restore public trust. He added that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria requires sincerity, patriotism, and responsible conduct — not propaganda or personal vendettas disguised as whistleblowing.
