Hon Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has dismissed claims linking former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) to terrorism financing, describing them as “baseless, reckless, and politically motivated.”
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Agbese said the allegations were part of a concerted effort to smear Buratai’s pivotal role in stabilising Nigeria.
“It is important for Nigerians to understand that Boko Haram terrorists and their sponsors have not forgiven Lt-General Buratai for leading the Nigerian Army to defeat them,” he said.
According to Agbese, Buratai’s tenure marked a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
“Before he became Army Chief, Boko Haram controlled large swathes of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. Abuja had suffered multiple bombings; Nyanya, Banex, Police Headquarters, the UN building. Ordinary citizens lived under constant fear; everyone was sleeping with one eye open,” Agbese said.
“Buratai took the fight directly to the insurgents, leading coordinated military campaigns that reclaimed towns, restored governance, and allowed displaced families to return home safely.”
Agbese emphasised that Buratai’s leadership went beyond combat operations.
“He implemented intelligence-driven strategies, strengthened civil-military collaboration, and ensured that security operations adhered to legal and ethical standards. Terrorist activities across Nigeria decreased drastically under his command, and groups like IPOB’s militant factions and other criminal gangs were also curtailed,” he noted, while highlighting Buratai’s enduring legacy.
“To link a man who confronted terrorists at the frontline to financing them is absurd. His record is one of courage, discipline, and patriotism. Anyone attempting to rewrite that history is engaging in a deliberate smear campaign,” he added.
The lawmaker warned that circulating such allegations could have negative consequences for national stability.
“Attacking the reputations of leaders who have dedicated their careers to defending Nigeria emboldens insurgents and undermines public confidence in our security agencies. Nigerians must not allow unfounded claims to distort the truth,” he said.
