Former Army Chief of Staff Ibrahim Mohammed Buratai has publicly denied a series of allegations that he allegedly funneled funds to terrori...
Former Army Chief of Staff Ibrahim Mohammed Buratai has publicly denied a series of allegations that he allegedly funneled funds to terrorist organisations, calling the claims "baseless propaganda" and demanding a full retraction from the sources that first made them public.
In a press conference held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Buratai, who was dismissed from his position in 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari, said the accusations were part of a "political smear campaign" designed to undermine his legacy and tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian Army. "The allegations are not only unsupported by any credible evidence, but they also are a direct affront to the many Nigerians who have served under my command," he said, his voice steady despite the gravity of the matter.
The Allegations in Brief
The controversy began last month when a series of unverified reports circulated on social media and a few fringe news outlets claiming that Buratai, during his tenure from 2018 to 2021, had channelled funds from the state's defense budget to extremist groups operating in the Niger Delta and the Middle Belt. According to the sources, the money was purportedly used to purchase weapons, facilitate training, and support the logistical needs of various insurgent factions.
The allegations were first picked up by the Daily Nigerian on May 28, in an article that relied on unnamed "insiders" and a single government document that the paper claimed was "well-known within certain circles." The Daily did not publish the document itself, citing confidentiality concerns. The piece was quickly shared across Nigeria's digital landscape, sparking accusations that the former chief was "complicit in terror" and that he had betrayed the nation's security.
Buratai's spokesperson, Captain Emeka Okafor, released a statement stating that the former chief had never been implicated in any investigation by the Ministry of Defence, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), or any international watchdog. "Mr. Buratai has cooperated fully with all oversight mechanisms. The allegations are a political weapon with no foundation," Okafor wrote.
Why the Allegations Matter
The accusations hit at a sensitive juncture for Nigeria. The country has long suffered from militant insurgencies, most notably the insurgent group Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have claimed thousands of lives. In the Niger Delta, oil theft and militant activity have disrupted production and contributed to a protracted humanitarian crisis. The government's credibility in managing these security threats has been under scrutiny since the 2015 elections.
"We cannot let rumours undermine the integrity of our national institutions," said General Mohammed, in his address, referencing the broader implications of these allegations. "The Army has always been a pillar of stability, and we must protect its honor against unfounded claims."
Detractors have emphasised that if even a single military leader were found to have cooperated with extremist groups, it would erode public trust in the security apparatus. Historically, such accusations have led to calls for independent investigations and, in some cases, the dismissal or incarceration of implicated officials. The political climate in Nigeria is also notoriously volatile, with opposition parties often using unverified claims to discredit incumbents or their allies.
Buratai's Response
On the podium, Buratai delivered a concise yet forceful rebuttal. "I have served my country with integrity," he affirmed. "I would never, under any circumstances, provide resources to those who seek to destabilise and terrorise our citizens." He further declared that he had been in full compliance with all audits and that "any documentation that might appear to indicate otherwise is either forged or taken out of context."
He invoked the principle of "moral certitude" in military ethics, reminding the public that the protection of the nation is paramount. Buratai emphasised that state funds, when allocated to armed forces, are strictly regulated, and he was "never at a position where I could unilaterally reallocate them for non-military purposes." He also called upon the media to "exercise due diligence" before publishing sensitive allegations.
He went on to demand a formal retraction from the media outlets that published the accusations. "If the allegations are unfounded, the responsible parties must provide a written apology and a clear statement of retraction, thereby restoring my name and the integrity of the Army," he said, setting a deadline of 48 hours for the retraction.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The Nigerian National Assembly's Committee on Security and Defence spoke at a closed session on Friday, expressing concern over the potential fallout. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Peter Nwankwo, said the committee would investigate the claims to "ensure that no false narrative mars the security narrative or the public trust." However, he also acknowledged that no official evidence had yet surfaced corroborating the allegations.
The EFCC released a brief statement confirming that they had no pending investigations into Buratai related to terror financing. "Mr. Buratai remains a respected figure in our security sector, and the Commission has no records of any wrongdoing on his part," the statement read.
Opposition leaders in the National Assembly, however, seized the moment to call for an independent inquiry. "This is an opportunity to scrutinise the actions of former leaders, but it should be conducted transparently," said Hon. Musa Iliyasu of the main opposition party. "We must ensure that no one is unfairly targeted."
Notably, the Nigerian Bar Association's Lawyers for Human Rights group issued a statement supporting Buratai's right to a fair hearing. "The law protects us against defamation and false allegations. Buratai's demand for retraction is in line with Nigeria's constitutional guarantees of due process," said the group's spokesperson, Justice Nkechi Okoro.
Media Impact and International Perspective
Internationally, the allegations sparked a brief wave of commentary, with the International Crisis Group publishing a note that it was not aware of any credible evidence linking Buratai to terrorist financing. The BBC Hausa* segment covering the story emphasised that "defamation can have long-lasting impacts on careers and lives."
Social media reactions were mixed. Some users expressed outrage against what they perceived as "political witch-craft," demanding the fall of the former chief, while others waded into supportive comments praising Buratai's service record and calling for a sensible approach before drawing conclusions.
It is worth noting that the proliferation of unverified rumours is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. Historically, opponents have used similar tactics to tarnish the reputations of political figures. The current scenario is reminiscent of the 2013 incident where former Defence Minister Joseph Akerele was accused of corruption without evidence, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Road Ahead
Buratai's call for a retraction has set the stage for a potentially fraught legal and political process. The Federal Government has signalled that it will preserve the official record and support Buratai through the legal process. Meanwhile, the EFCC and the Ministry of Defence are expected to release a joint statement detailing the steps taken to investigate the claims.
The Nigerian Army's Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Taiwo Yakubu, released a statement praising Buratai's service and affirming that the branch remains committed to transparency and integrity. "We stand with former Chief Buratai in the face of unfounded allegations. Our ethos is to serve without prejudice, irrespective of political currents," the statement read.
In a country where rumours can ignite widespread unrest, the unfolding of this case will be watched closely. For Buratai, the moment has turned from a mere news event into a battle for his legacy and for the integrity of Nigeria's military institutions. As the legal process begins, the nation will simultaneously seek to uphold justice with prudence, ensuring that the truth, not the tide of opinion, prevails.