Ex-COAS Yahaya’s Kinsmen Condemn Alleging Terrorism

New Delhi, December 13, 2025: A highly controversial video clip accusing former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruq Yahaya (rtd.), of involvement in “sponsored terrorism” has been vehemently dismissed by his kinsmen. The video, which has achieved widespread circulation on social media platforms, was officially labelled as false, malicious, and a dangerous threat to national security by the Sifawa Development Forum (SDF), the retired military chief’s home community.

The Allegation Is Denounced as Fabricated

The video content, which has generated significant public concern, was explicitly designed to link Lt. Gen. Yahaya to individuals purportedly involved in terrorism financing and activities. Addressing journalists in Sokoto, the Secretary-General of the SDF, Mohammed Bello Yusuf, confirmed that the community was “shocked and deeply disturbed” by the attempts to connect the General to crimes he had dedicated his entire career to fighting.

The claims were forcefully described as “spurious, baseless, and entirely untrue.” It was argued that the fabrication was part of a wider, coordinated campaign intended to smear senior military officers, undermine the credibility of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and erode public trust in security institutions. The integrity of an individual who served as COAS from 2021 to 2023 was asserted to be beyond reproach, with his tenure being marked by intensified counterterrorism operations in the North East.

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Defense of an Impeccable Service Record Is Issued

The former Army Chief’s long and distinguished military career was held up by the Forum as irrefutable evidence against the allegations. Lt. Gen. Yahaya was widely noted for his major role in stabilizing key regions, expanded troop deployments, and successful coordination of joint efforts against banditry during his time in command.

The SDF stressed that the video was “beyond mischief” and constitutes a serious security threat because it attempts to demoralize serving officers who are actively engaged in national security efforts. The group further warned that allowing such digitally manipulated and unverified narratives to fester could compromise the effectiveness of institutions crucial to national defense.

Call for Prosecution of Misinformation Creators Is Made

The Sifawa Development Forum issued a strong public call for security agencies to take firm, decisive action. They demanded that the origin of the video be traced, its creators identified, and those behind the coordinated smear agenda be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Media organizations were also appealed to, with a plea for restraint and professionalism, emphasizing that the amplification of unverified claims can lead to instability and distrust. The community’s unified stance underscores the seriousness with which digital misinformation targeting national security figures is now being treated.