We Were Told To Stop!” — Retired General Exposes Secret Directives Shielding Bandits

Retired Major‑General Danjuma Ali‑Keffi has disclosed that a directive from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration abruptly halted a major military offensive against bandits in Nigeria’s North West and North Central regions in 2021.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Sahara Reporters, Ali‑Keffi, who formerly served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and led the covert Operation Service Wide (OSW), detailed internal power struggles, alleged sabotage, and policy decisions that, in his view, undermined the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He explained that his appointment as OSW Commander—a specialized inter-agency task force targeting terror financing and high-level intelligence—was based on recommendations from Nigeria’s intelligence chiefs, including heads of the DSS, NIA, Defence Intelligence, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. However, this reportedly displeased the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant‑General Tukur Buratai.

“Gen Tukur Buratai was unhappy with my appointment as OSW Commander from the outset… he did not hide his displeasure,” Ali‑Keffi said. He recalled a tense late-night meeting at Buratai’s residence in November 2020, following the announcement of his appointment at a National Security Council session.

During the meeting, Buratai questioned his suitability, suggested the task be handled by Army Headquarters, and demanded all intelligence gathered be handed over to the Army. “He said the Nigerian Army would handle the task within 48 hours without OSW… I left the Flag House fearing the meeting might have been recorded,” Ali‑Keffi recounted.

Days later, Buratai reportedly reversed his stance, offering logistical and financial support to OSW. Ali‑Keffi declined, suspecting potential sabotage via tracking devices or booby-trapped equipment. He said this internal friction marked the start of deliberate efforts to undermine OSW operations.

Ali‑Keffi further claimed that after his detention under the Buhari administration, intelligence suggested a plot to frame him for treason and execute him via lethal injection or poisoning. OSW alerted a Western ally, prompting U.S. diplomatic intervention. “The U.S. government sent then-Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Nigeria two weeks into my detention to warn them against harming me,” he alleged.

He also accused senior officials of the Buhari administration of complicity in illegal mining operations linked to banditry and kidnappings in the North West and North Central regions. “The previous administration was complicit in the banditry due to illegal mining activities involving key officials in collaboration with local and foreign actors,” Ali‑Keffi stated.

Major Gains Stopped by Presidential Directive

Ali‑Keffi highlighted successful operations under his command between April and May 2021, where 1 Division cleared bandit strongholds in Niger and Kaduna states, including the Alawa Forest, and rescued over 100 kidnapped victims. Bandits were dislodged from Birnin Gwari, Kuyello, Fatika, Kidandan, and near Kaduna International Airport, enabling the reopening of key highways.

Plans were underway for 1 Division to support 8 Division operations across Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. However, a 2021 presidential order halted all operations. Ali‑Keffi said his team complied, but both he and the 8 Division GOC were removed before the two-week pause concluded.

“This operation started in June/July 2021. Following the death of Gen Attahiru and replacement by Gen Faruk Yahaya, I received directives from the Presidency to halt all offensives for two weeks, as Fulani leaders claimed they could persuade bandit groups of Fulani descent to disarm, preventing harm to innocent Fulani,” he said.

“I relayed the order to Maj Gen Usman Yusuf, GOC 8 Division, and reluctantly complied, as disobeying superior orders is a serious military offense. Yet, before the two-week period ended, both the GOC 8 Division and I were removed,” Ali‑Keffi added.

He noted that these halted operations had been laying the groundwork for a joint mission, Operation FOREST SHIELD, intended to decisively neutralize bandit groups across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, with the North Central and North West zones on the brink of collapse by July 2021.