A former Nigerian Army General, Ali-Keffi, has raised fresh allegations of interference in a counter-terrorism operation he led under former President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming that the probe into Boko Haram financiers was systematically sabotaged to protect powerful individuals.
Ali-Keffi, who commanded the 1 Division and served as General Officer Commanding (GOC), disclosed that in 2021 he was personally appointed to lead Operation Service Wide (OSW), a multi-agency task force designed to identify Boko Haram’s financiers, dismantle enabling networks, and hold culprits accountable.
According to the retired general, the operation uncovered connections between several suspects and top government officials, military leaders, and financial institutions. However, he claims the investigation was deliberately derailed after these findings emerged.
High-Profile Links Alleged
Ali-Keffi revealed that two suspects arrested by OSW were linked to former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), two others to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and one to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Another suspect was linked to former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd.).
He clarified, “I am not accusing Buratai, Malami, or Emefiele of terrorism financing. My information is based on disclosures from the former NFIU Director. These individuals were linked to some of the suspects, not the criminal acts themselves.”
Arrest, Detention, and Forced Retirement
Following the presentation of OSW’s findings to President Buhari in September 2021, Ali-Keffi says he was suddenly detained at Military Police Headquarters on October 18, 2021, interrogated for hours, held for 64 days without charges, and subsequently compulsorily retired.
“Till today, I don’t know my offence,” he said, describing the detention as an orchestrated effort to halt the investigation.
$600 Million Offshore Account and Attempted Bribe
The operation reportedly traced a $600 million offshore account owned by international suspect Aboubacar Hima, allegedly linked to terror financing. Ali-Keffi claimed that an attempt was made to bribe Nigerian authorities with $50 million to release the funds, which he rejected.
Efforts to Derail Investigation
Ali-Keffi alleges that the investigation faced repeated pressure to downgrade terrorism-financing charges to money laundering, allegedly to transfer the case to the EFCC, which he claims was under the influence of Malami at the time. He also revealed that top prosecution lawyers assisting OSW were removed for refusing to compromise.
Following his removal, the suspects were reportedly released without charges, and the case was effectively terminated.
Extensive Target List
The retired general disclosed that OSW had identified over 400 suspects, including the late Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau. He explained that while arrests could not be made in all cases, OSW had meticulously tracked the individuals and financial flows supporting terrorism.
Call for Transparency
Ali-Keffi stressed that the NFIU, EFCC, and the Attorney-General’s Office are in the best position to clarify whether the traced funds were recovered or released. He maintains that his arrest, detention, and forced retirement were direct consequences of resisting attempts to obstruct a terrorism-financing investigation involving some of Nigeria’s most influential figures.
Source : Sahara Reporters
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