Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya (rtd.), has dismissed allegations linking him to individuals purported to be involved in terrorism financing.
The allegation, credited to retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi and published by an online platform, alleged that Yahaya maintained ties with persons suspected of financing terrorism.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on his behalf, Yahaya described the report as “spurious, baseless and entirely untrue.”
He said at no point in his career — before, during, or after serving as Chief of Army Staff — did he maintain any direct or indirect association with individuals involved in terrorism financing or activities capable of undermining national security.
Yahaya accused Ali-Keffi of launching a personal vendetta allegedly triggered by disciplinary measures taken against him while in service, adding that the report was malicious and lacked factual basis.
He also criticised the online platform for publishing the allegations without verification, saying the action undermined public trust and misrepresented his professional record.
“These allegations run contrary to Gen. Yahaya’s impeccable service record, professional integrity and lifelong commitment to Nigeria’s defence,” the statement said.
The former Army chief demanded an immediate retraction from Ali-Keffi, the online platform and others disseminating the report, warning that failure to do so would attract necessary legal action to safeguard his reputation.
Yahaya reaffirmed his commitment to the fight against terrorism, saying the national campaign required responsibility, patriotism and truth rather than propaganda driven by personal grievances.