Ex-COAS’s kinsmen condemn viral video linking him to terrorism

File: Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruq Yahaya (rtd.)

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The Sifawa Development Forum, the home community of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruq Yahaya (rtd.), has raised the alarm over a viral video accusing the retired military chief of involvement in “sponsored terrorism,” describing the content as false, malicious, and dangerous to national security.

Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Sokoto on Friday, the Forum said the video—currently circulating on social media—was part of a wider campaign to smear senior military officers and erode public trust in the nation’s security architecture.

Secretary-General of the Forum, Mohammed Bello Yusuf, said the people of Sifawa were “shocked and deeply disturbed” by attempts to link Gen. Yahaya to activities he spent his career fighting against.

“We find it outrageous and unacceptable that anyone would fabricate a video to accuse a former Chief of Army Staff of sponsoring terrorism.

“This is not just an attack on his person; it is an assault on our community and a dangerous attempt to undermine the credibility of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Yusuf said.

Nigeria has recently witnessed a rise in digitally manipulated content and unverified allegations aimed at public officials, with security leaders increasingly targeted in sophisticated smear campaigns. Analysts warn that such misinformation can weaken public morale, distort security narratives, and create distrust in institutions responsible for safeguarding lives and property.

Lt. Gen. Yahaya, who served as COAS from 2021 to 2023, played a major role in counterterrorism operations in the North East and coordinated joint efforts against banditry in the North West. His tenure saw expanded troop deployments, intensified intelligence operations, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.

The SDF said it was “deeply troubling” that individuals could exploit digital platforms to spread narratives accusing a retired military leader of the very crimes he dedicated decades to combating.

According to Yusuf, Gen. Yahaya’s record is well known to his kinsmen and Nigerians alike.

“General Yahaya is a man who has served this country with honour from his early days as a young officer up to the highest level of command. To now accuse him—without evidence—of sponsoring terrorism is beyond mischief; it is a security threat,” he said.

The group warned that allowing such narratives to fester could demoralise serving officers and distract security agencies working to contain ongoing threats.

The Forum urged security agencies to trace the origin of the video, identify its creators, and prosecute those behind what it described as a “carefully coordinated smear agenda.”

It also appealed to media organisations to exercise restraint and professionalism, noting that amplifying unverified claims can worsen instability.

“We must not allow reckless content creators to compromise the integrity of our national institutions,” Yusuf added.

The briefing drew community leaders, scholars, youth groups, and retired officers, all of whom backed the call for stronger action against digital misinformation targeting security personnel. They emphasised that protecting the reputation of national institutions is essential to maintaining operational effectiveness and sustaining public confidence.

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