The camp of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.), has issued a formal rebuttal to comments made by retired Major General Ali Keffi during an interview on Arise Television, describing his remarks as “inaccurate,” “selective,” and “deliberately unbalanced.”
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Amb. Auwal Ahmad Umar, Buratai’s team said the former Army Chief’s achievements were a matter of public record and could not be erased by what it called a “one-sided narrative.”
“Our attention has been drawn to the recent interview granted by Retired Major General Ali Keffi on Arise Television, during which he made several inaccurate and unbalanced remarks concerning the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.),” the statement read.
“We consider it necessary to set the record straight to ensure Nigerians are not misled by selective narratives that do not reflect the true achievements of that period.”
‘Buratai’s Contributions Are Well Documented’
According to Umar, Buratai is widely recognised for his strategic leadership and contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
He stated that “Boko Haram was significantly degraded and pushed out of many occupied territories” under Buratai’s command, adding that “major breakthroughs were achieved against armed bandits across the North-West.”
He further noted that operations in the South-East “suppressed violent separatist threats and restored stability,” while training, welfare, promotions, accommodation, and professionalism of the Army “improved significantly.”
Umar added that “military infrastructure, civil–military relations, and international defence cooperation reached new heights” during the period.
He recalled that in recognition of these achievements, the Emir of Keffi conferred on Buratai the traditional title of Garkuwa Keffi (The Shield of Keffi), describing it as “a clear symbol of honour, respect, and recognition of his enormous contributions to national and community security.”
‘Keffi Chose Silence for Personal Reasons’
The statement criticised Keffi for failing to acknowledge these achievements during his Arise TV appearance.
“It must be clearly stated that Retired Major General Ali Keffi served at senior levels during General Buratai’s tenure. He directly witnessed these reforms and operational achievements,” Umar said.
“Yet, during the interview, he intentionally refused to acknowledge any of these accomplishments. His silence was deliberate—not due to lack of knowledge.”
Umar added that “every honest and fair-minded Nigerian knows the positive transformation that took place in the Army under General Buratai,” describing Keffi’s refusal to mention them as “a serious concern about the motive and sincerity behind his remarks.”
‘His Comments Were Influenced by Personal Dissatisfaction’
The statement also hinted that Keffi’s position may be shaped by his exit from service.
“It is important to recall that Major General Keffi’s retirement followed internal administrative and disciplinary processes conducted according to established military procedures,” Umar said.
“Given this background, it is evident that his recent commentary is influenced more by personal dissatisfaction than by objective evaluation of facts.”
‘Buratai’s Legacy Remains Intact’
Umar concluded by asserting that Buratai’s reputation remains unshaken.
“General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.) remains a distinguished patriot, a respected statesman, and a commander whose leadership strengthened Nigeria’s security architecture,” he noted.
“No single interview—especially one marked by omissions and personal sentiment—can diminish the record of a man honoured by Nigerians and traditional institutions alike as the ‘Shield of Keffi’.”
He urged the public to “disregard statements aimed at distorting history or undermining the reputation of a national hero.”
The issue is not about what Gen. Buratai achieved. It is about the role of Maj. Gen. Ali Keffi and how he was rewarded with early retirement. It will necessary to tell us if Gen. Keffi did not achieve what he claimed in OSW and if he was not turtured and unjustly retired.