Retired Gen. Ali-Keffi: Buhari Govt Halted Major Offensive Against Bandits, Sabotaged Anti-Terror Operations

Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi has revealed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration halted a crucial 2021 military offensive that was close to crushing major bandit networks across the North West and North Central. The former GOC 1 Division and commander of the covert Operation Silent War (OSW) detailed internal sabotage, intelligence conflicts, alleged illegal-mining-linked complicity, and an attempt to frame him for treason.

Ali-Keffi described clashes with then Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, including an encounter where he was told to hand over intelligence so the Army could bypass OSW. He also alleged assassination attempts, noting that U.S. officials intervened during his detention.

According to him, coordinated operations in Niger and Kaduna had cleared key bandit camps and rescued over 100 victims before a presidential directive abruptly suspended offensives following negotiations with Fulani leaders. Both he and the GOC 8 Division were removed before the ceasefire window ended, derailing what he said could have been a decisive victory against banditry.

Ex-Army General Ali-Keffi Links Terror Suspects to Top Nigerian Officials, Alleges Cover-Up

Retired Maj. Gen. Ali-Keffi has revealed that a 2021 counter-terrorism probe identified several terror-financing suspects connected to powerful Nigerian figures, including former AGF Abubakar Malami, ex-COAS Tukur Buratai, ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, and others. He alleges that the operation was sabotaged, suspects were secretly released, and he was detained and forced into retirement for refusing to compromise the investigation.

Gov. Buni Constructs Major Drainage Systems, Bridges to End Flooding in Damaturu

The Yobe State Government under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni,, has made remarkable progress in the construction of major bridges and drainage channels across Damaturu metropolis aimed at permanently addressing the problem of flooding while also supporting dry-season farming.

The large-scale project cuts across key parts of the state capital, stretching from Nasarawa through Nayi-Nawa, extending behind Shagari via Pompomari New Layout, and further beyond Waziri Ibrahim and Sumsumma, where floodwater is being redirected for the benefit of dry-season farmers in areas such as behind the High Court, Waziri Ibrahim, Sumsumma and adjoining communities.

So far, major milestones have been recorded with the completion of a bridge at Waziri Ibrahim Bypass, another at Pompomari New Layout, as well as the completion of one side of the Pilgrim Bridge along the Potiskum Road.

To ensure timely delivery, the construction company which is currently executing the project simultaneously in five different locations, including Waziri Bypass, where road rehabilitation and drainage construction are ongoing; the Buratai residence axis, where a major floodwater channel is being constructed; the Pilgrim area, where one side of the bridge is under construction; and Nasarawa, where large drainage infrastructure is also underway.

The project when completed will deliver enormous benefits to Damaturu and environs. It will significantly reduced the recurring menace of flooding, thereby protecting lives, homes, and public infrastructure from destruction.

By preventing floodwater from cutting off major roads, especially around the Waziri Ibrahim and Pompomari areas, the project will greatly enhanced the free flow of traffic and easing movement within the city.

In addition, the drainage system will preserved road networks from damage caused by stagnant water, while at the same time improving environmental sanitation by preventing waste accumulation and pollution.

Beyond flood control and urban safety, the project will contribute immensely to agricultural development. By redirecting floodwater for irrigation, it is boosting dry-season farming and supporting hundreds of farmers engaged in the cultivation of crops such as cucumber, watermelon, onion, Irish potato, lettuce, tomato, pepper, rice, wheat and other produce across the Waziri and Sumsumma axis.

This intervention is also creating opportunities for youth empowerment, reducing unemployment and discouraging social vices through productive engagement.

The project covers major areas including Nasarawa, Nayi-Nawa, Pompomari, Behind the High Court, Behind Waziri Ibrahim and Sumsumma, where floodwater is systematically channelled for agricultural use.

The work is progressing steadily in line with specifications, and it is expected to be completed in the near future .

Wike Rebukes Buratai for Comment on Clash With Naval Officer.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday criticised former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), accusing him of misinterpreting the altercation he had last Tuesday with naval officers led by Lt. A.M. Yerima.

Wike questioned Buratai’s claim that his conduct amounted to a national security threat and a slight on President Bola Tinubu. 

Addressing reporters at his Life Camp residence, he faulted the former Army chief for asking him to apologise to Lt. Yerima, insisting Buratai had no authority to lecture him on proper behaviour.

He also blamed Yerima for escalating the confrontation over a disputed plot in the Gaduwa District, which the FCT Administration says was illegally acquired by former Naval Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo. Wike accused the officer of obeying an unlawful directive.

Wike said: “I read what one former Chief of Army Staff wrote. He cannot tell me of decency and he can’t teach me. This was the same man who (allegedly) directed his GOC to rig election, my election in 2019. He couldn’t rig me. He lost.

He told his GOC to kill me and I could not be killed. He became an agent in APC primaries to one of APC’s presidential aspirants. Look at the rank of a polling agent. He is the one commenting that the minister did this and that. I have never seen people like this.

I have no regrets for my political opponents. I will continue to make them have sleepless nights. Whether you are in PDP, whether you are in APC, whether you are in ADC, it is not my business.

I have no regrets supporting President Tinubu and I have never hidden my intention and I will continue to do what is right. So, if you like to write anything you want to write, as far as I know, I am standing by the side of the law. If you like, bring every ethnicity coloration, it is your business”.

He urged all officials, regardless of status, to respect the rule of law at all times.

Troops rescue 74 NYSC members from kidnappers hotspot in Borno.

In a dramatic late-night operation, troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, rescued 74 stranded National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from what could have been a major abduction by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Borno State.

According to the Force’s Media Information Officer, Sani Uba, the incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after the corps members 36 males and 38 females were left stranded when their 3 buses broke down near a notorious kidnapping hotspot.

Uba revealed that troops swiftly moved in after a military surveillance system picked up suspicious movement involving the vehicles.

“On arrival, troops discovered the stranded NYSC members and quickly moved to secure them from a likely Boko Haram or ISWAP attack,” he stated.

The rescued corps members are currently being sheltered at the Buratai military base while arrangements for their safe evacuation are underway.

This latest intervention follows a string of successful counterterrorism operations in Borno, where troops recently rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers.

Earlier this week, the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 OPHK intercepted Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters at Dutse Kura, destroying 11 terrorist structures and recovering a cache of weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles.

Security officials have hailed the swift response as a major success in ongoing efforts to protect civilians and dismantle terrorist strongholds in the North East.

“A Threat to National Security” — Buratai Slams Wike Over Clash with Naval Officer in Abuja

In a bold statement that has stirred national debate, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), has warned that the recent altercation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a Nigerian Navy officer poses a “clear and present danger to national security.”

Buratai, writing on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, condemned Wike’s public confrontation with the officer, describing it as “a reckless act that undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the integrity of the Armed Forces.”

The confrontation reportedly took place at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, over a disputed parcel of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

According to reports, Wike—accompanied by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)—had arrived at the site to halt what he called an illegal construction. A viral video from the scene shows the minister angrily confronting the officer, declaring that “no one, not even the Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law.”

The unnamed officer, however, maintained that the land belonged to a former service chief and was under legitimate military protection.

Reacting to the viral footage, Buratai warned that Wike’s actions went beyond political theatrics.

“A minister’s verbal assault on a uniformed officer is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the foundation of our national security,” he said.

Buratai urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to view the situation as a serious national security concern, insisting that Wike must publicly apologize to the Commander-in-Chief, the Armed Forces, and the affected officer.

“Our nation’s security must come first. It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing,” Buratai added.

The incident continues to spark heated reactions across Nigeria, with military veterans and citizens debating the boundaries of ministerial authority and military respect under a democratic government.

Troops Rescue 86 Kidnap Victims, Destroy Boko Haram Camp in Borno.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 86 kidnapped victims and destroyed a major Boko Haram/ISWAP camp in the Buratai–Kamuya area of Borno State. 

The operation was carried out on Sunday by the 135 Special Forces Battalion following surveillance alerts of terrorists abducting civilians along the route.

According to a statement by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, the troops at Echo 1 in Dutse Kura came under heavy attack around 3:52 pm. 
A Quick Response Force was deployed to reinforce them, successfully repelling the terrorists and pursuing them toward the Mangari axis.

During the pursuit, the insurgents attempted to flee with kidnapped civilians in two vehicles, but troops ambushed them, forcing the terrorists to abandon the victims. 

A subsequent search led to the discovery of a Boko Haram/ISWAP camp, where 86 captives — men, women and children — were rescued unharmed.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, five magazines loaded with 73 rounds, PKT ammunition belts, five civilian cars, five motorcycles, eight bicycles and two tricycles. The camp was destroyed.

In a separate operation the same day, troops at Delta 1 in Mangada arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers. Eight of them were identified as active couriers. 

Seized items included two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, 38 jerry cans of fuel, engine oil, medical supplies, food items and two new gun-truck tyres.

The suspects and recovered items have been handed over for further investigation. Military sources say the latest operations are part of intensified efforts to cut off terrorists supply chains and limit their movement in the North-East.

"I Will Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial if Subpoenaed" — Nyesom Wike.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is ready to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu—if officially summoned by the court.

Wike made this known during his monthly media chat on Friday in Abuja, following questions about his inclusion on Kanu’s list of witnesses.

Earlier in the week, Kanu had filed a motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, indicating plans to open his defence on October 24, 2025. The IPOB leader named 23 witnesses, including Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd).

Reacting to the development, Wike said he was unaware of his inclusion and had not received any formal notice.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Nigerian Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram Lament About Allegedly Getting Paid N20,000 Out of N100,000 Monthly Allowance.

Fresh findings by SaharaReporters have revealed that Nigerian soldiers deployed to the North-East for counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram receive only N20,000 monthly from the N100,000 Scarce Skills Allowance (SSA) approved by the Federal Government.

Several soldiers who spoke on the matter expressed frustration that, despite official approvals dating back to 2017, they are still being denied their full entitlements.

“Yes, the Federal Government approved N100,000 per soldier, but we only receive N20,000,” one soldier said. “The Air Force recently raised theirs to N50,000, but the Army has refused. This underpayment started under former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.).”

The SSA was one of several welfare packages introduced in November 2017 by former President Muhammadu Buhari under the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA). The document explicitly provides for N100,000 monthly payment to all military personnel, regardless of rank.

However, soldiers told SaharaReporters they are still being paid between N20,000 and N30,000, in clear vi%lation of the guidelines.

This revelation echoes similar allegations published in 2021, when troops accused the Army leadership under Buratai of diverting allowances. At the time, soldiers complained that their Uniform and Boot Allowance, along with the SSA approved since 2017, had either been unpaid or grossly reduced.

One soldier explained: “The Scarce Skills Allowance approved by the President in 2017 was N100,000, but the Army only began paying in 2020 and even then, Privates to Corporals got N20,000, Sergeants and Staff Sergeants N25,000, while Warrant Officers received N30,000. Uniform and boot allowances have not been paid at all.”

The aggrieved soldiers are calling on President Bola Tinubu to direct anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the non-payment and diversion of their welfare funds.

I would never advise my son to play for this country— Ex-Super Eagles Defender, Taribo West says as he Laments Neglect of Late Peter Rufai, Blasts NFF and Lagos State at Funeral.

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, could not hold back his emotions on Friday as he spoke to journalists at the funeral of ex-Nigeria goalkeeper, Peter Rufai. The ex-Inter Milan star, visibly shaken, expressed deep grief over the treatment meted out to Rufai after retirement, describing it as a shameful reflection of how Nigeria handles its football heroes.

“I share the pains and burdens with the Rufai family,” West said. “It is disheartening that Lagos State and the Nigerian Football Federation dropped the buck on them. This is not how a nation should treat those who gave everything on the field.”

Struggling to keep his emotions in check, West recounted how the news of Rufai’s death hit him harder than the loss of his own parents. “When my mother passed, I didn’t shed tears. When my father died in my hands, I didn’t cry.

But when Rufai died, I had goosebumps and tears rolled down my cheeks. What kind of nation treats its heroes like this?” The former defender accused football authorities of neglect, pointing to similar cases of late Nigerian stars Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, all of whom, he said, were abandoned in their final years.

“Imagine a family crying and begging among themselves just to raise money to bury a national hero. That is madness,” West fumed. “With this kind of example, I would never advise my son to play for this country.

Do we even have a football federation in this Nigeria?” Taribo West ended his remarks by urging authorities to wake up to their responsibilities in honoring and supporting retired players who sacrificed for the country.

It’s a sort of a warning that we really need to have a long-term plan. It is not something that we just wish it away,” he said. Drawing comparisons with the fight against COVID-19, Buratai highlighted the massive investments that went into information campaigns, communication, palliatives, and preventive measures during the pandemic, which eventually saw the entire country shut down.

“The whole nation was locked down because of COVID-19. But we can do the same thing. We can lock down this country to make sure that everybody concentrates and deals with this crisis of so-called terrorists and bandits and kidnappers,” he noted.

He stressed that insecurity, like a pandemic or natural disaster, requires nationwide mobilization and shared responsibility, not just the efforts of security forces. Buratai also cited last year’s Maiduguri flood as an example of how the country rallied together to provide relief and rehabilitation, urging that the same level of urgency should be applied to the fight against insecurity.

VIDEO: FG Can Lock Down Borders To Tackle Terrorists — Ex-COAS Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has suggested a temporary lockdown of Nigeria’s borders as part of measures to combat terrorism and banditry.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, Buratai compared the strategy to the COVID-19 border shutdown, stressing that insecurity requires long-term planning and collaboration among political, traditional, and religious leaders.

He added that while state police is a welcome idea, it could be abused by politicians unless safeguards are put in place. Buratai insisted the military should be seen as a solution to insecurity, not a hindrance.

#NigeriaSecurity #Buratai #Insecurity

Former Chief of Army Staff, Buratai, narrowly escaped death after his convoy came under a heavy gunfire attack in Borno State.