A group – ‘North-East Concerned Citizens’ has condemned the allegations put forward by Retired Major General Ali Keffi during an interview on Arise TV, where he accused former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Retired) of serious security failures during his reign.
This was according to a press statement titled “Formal Rebuttal to the Recent Interview Granted by Retired Major General Ali Keffi on Arise TV Issued in Defence of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.)”, signed and made available to Jewel Times by Ambassador Auwal Ahmad Umar on behalf of the concerned citizens.
The statement said “As Concerned Citizens of the North-East, 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, misleading, and unbalanced remarks concerning the tenure of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.).
As patriotic citizens committed to truth and national cohesion, we find it necessary to set the record straight and ensure Nigerians are not swayed by selective narratives that distort the remarkable achievements recorded during that era.
General Buratai’s Achievements Are Clear and Undeniable. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.) is widely celebrated for his strategic leadership, patriotism, and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria. Under his command:
Boko Haram terrorists were degraded, pushed out of numerous territories, and denied freedom of action.
Significant breakthroughs were achieved against armed bandits across the North-West.
Security operations in the South-East suppressed violent separatist activities and restored relative stability.
Welfare, training, accommodation, promotions, and discipline within the army improved greatly.
Modernisation of military equipment and infrastructure strengthened the Army’s operational readiness.
Civil–military relations and international defence cooperation advanced to unprecedented levels.
These facts are well known to Nigerians and independent observers.
In recognition of these outstanding contributions, the Emir of Keffi honoured General Buratai with the prestigious traditional title of Garkuwa Keffi (The Shield of Keffi)—a powerful testament to his service, courage, and impact on national security.
Ali Keffi’s Deliberate Refusal to Acknowledge the Truth:
For the avoidance of doubt, Retired Major General Ali Keffi served at senior levels during General Buratai’s tenure. He directly witnessed the reforms, operations, and successes achieved under that administration. Yet, during the Arise TV interview, he intentionally refused to acknowledge even the most obvious of these achievements.
This was not due to ignorance—he knows the truth, as do millions of Nigerians. His refusal to speak on these well-known accomplishments raises serious questions about the intent and sincerity of his remarks.
Context Behind His Remarks:
Major General Keffi’s retirement from the Army followed internal administrative and disciplinary procedures conducted strictly in line with military rules and hierarchy.
Given this background, it is difficult to ignore the clear signs of personal dissatisfaction driving his public commentary. His narrative does not reflect the institutional realities or the experiences of the thousands of officers and soldiers who served honourably under General Buratai.
Conclusion:
General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd.) remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated, accomplished, and patriotic military leaders. His contributions to national security, regional stability, and the strengthening of the Nigerian Army are visible, measurable, and widely respected.
No single interview – especially one characterised by omissions, selective memory, and personal sentiment can diminish the legacy of a man honoured across Nigeria as the “Shield of Keffi.”
We urge the public to disregard attempts to misrepresent history and to continue supporting efforts that promote peace, unity, and the integrity of our armed forces.