'Buhari Stopped 2021 Offensive Against Bandits'

‘Buhari Stopped 2021 Offensive Against Bandits’ – Retired General Ali-Keffi.
Claims internal sabotage and illegal mining links weakened security efforts.
Says bandits were close to collapse before commanders were removed.

Retired Major-General Danjuma Ali-Keffi has said that a directive from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari abruptly stopped a major military offensive against bandit groups in the North West and North Central in 2021.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in an account detailing internal rivalry, alleged sabotage and policy decisions, Ali-Keffi told Sahara Reporters that the halt weakened the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He said he was appointed Commander of Operation Service Wide, an inter-agency intelligence outfit focused on terror financing, based on recommendations from the heads of major intelligence agencies. According to him, the move immediately angered the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai.

“Gen Tukur Buratai was unhappy with my appointment as the Commander OSW right from the start … he didn’t hide his annoyance with my appointment,” he said.

Ali-Keffi recalled a tense late-night meeting at Buratai’s residence in November 2020, shortly after his appointment was revealed at a National Security Council meeting. He said Buratai questioned his suitability, insisted the task should be handled by Army Headquarters, and demanded all intelligence gathered by OSW.

“He then said the Nigerian Army would carry out the task within 48 hours without the OSW … he dismissed me and I left the Flag House,” he said, adding that he believed the meeting might have been recorded.

He claimed Buratai later offered logistics support, which he rejected over fears the assets could be compromised. He said this marked the beginning of efforts to undermine OSW.

Ali-Keffi also alleged that during his later arrest and detention, credible intelligence suggested plans to frame him for treason and eliminate him. According to him, OSW informed a foreign ally. “The US government then dispatched Anthony Blinken to visit Nigeria two weeks into my detention to warn them not to harm me,” he said.

He accused senior officials in the Buhari administration of involvement in illegal mining, which he said was linked to banditry networks across the North West and North Central. “The previous administration was complicit in the banditry … due to the illegal mining activities that some key officials … were involved in,” he said.

Ali-Keffi said his operations in April and May 2021 achieved major breakthroughs, including clearing bandit enclaves in Niger and Kaduna states, rescuing over 100 kidnapped victims, and reopening critical highways. He said preparations were underway for a joint offensive with 8 Division across Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara before a presidential order halted all action.

He said the Presidency directed a two-week ceasefire in late July 2021 after Fulani leaders told the government they would persuade bandit groups to disarm. “I thought that the government was sincere and reluctantly halted the offensive,” he said. But according to him, both he and the GOC 8 Division were removed before the two-week pause ended.

He maintained that the gains recorded formed the basis of a joint mission with 8 Division called Operation FOREST SHIELD, aimed at neutralising bandit groups across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara.

“Similarly, the bandits operating in the North Central and North West zones were on the verge of capitulation in July/August 2021 until the administration gave them a reprieve or lifeline,” he said.