Lawmaker Dismisses Claims Linking Buratai To Terror Financing

Hon. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, on Monday dismissed allegations that former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.) is connected to terrorism financing, describing the claims as “baseless, reckless and politically motivated.”

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Agbese said the accusations form part of a coordinated campaign to smear Buratai’s record and undermine his contribution to national security.
“It is important for Nigerians to understand that Boko Haram terrorists and their sponsors have not forgiven Lt.-Gen. Buratai for leading the Nigerian Army to defeat them,” he said.

Agbese outlined what he described as Buratai’s decisive role in stabilising Nigeria’s northeast during his tenure. “Before he became Army Chief, Boko Haram controlled large swathes of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Abuja suffered multiple bombings — Nyanya, Banex, the Police Headquarters and even the UN building. Ordinary citizens lived in constant fear,” he recalled.

“Buratai took the fight to the insurgents, leading coordinated military campaigns that reclaimed towns, restored governance and enabled displaced families to return home safely,” the lawmaker added.

He also praised Buratai’s emphasis on intelligence-led operations, strengthened civil-military cooperation and adherence to legal and ethical standards. “Terrorist activities decreased markedly under his command. To link a man who confronted terrorists on the frontline to financing them is absurd,” Agbese said. “His record is one of courage, discipline and patriotism. Anyone attempting to rewrite that history is engaging in a deliberate smear campaign.”

Agbese warned that spreading unsubstantiated allegations risks damaging national stability and public confidence in security agencies. “Attacking the reputations of leaders who have dedicated their careers to defending Nigeria emboldens insurgents and undermines public trust. Nigerians must not allow unfounded claims to distort the truth,” he said.

The deputy spokesperson called for a sober, evidence-based public conversation on security issues and urged stakeholders to avoid rhetoric that could inflame tensions or distract from the fight against insurgency.