General Ali-Keffi Reveals Alleged Suppression of Terror Financing Probe Linked to Top Nigerian Power Brokers
By Paul Ebi
A covert intelligence operation personally approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari has exploded into public controversy after its former commander, retired Nigerian Army General Ali-Keffi, alleged that the probe was sabotaged to shield powerful individuals.
Ali-Keffi, who once served as GOC 1 Division and headed the Service Wide Operation (OSW) in 2021, said the task force uncovered financial networks enabling Boko Haram — networks allegedly connected to powerful figures in government, military leadership, and the financial sector.
According to him, what began as a mission to dismantle Boko Haram’s funding pipelines turned into a maze of obstruction, “cover-ups,” and attempts to neutralize the probe.
NFIU Briefing to Buhari Became the Turning Point
Working closely with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), OSW reportedly arrested multiple high-profile suspects in March 2021. Financial trails allegedly showed movement of funds suspected to be tied to terror financing.
These findings were presented to President Buhari in September 2021.@Ali-Keffi recalls that then-Chief of Army Staff Gen. Faruk Yahaya participated in the briefing, although later intelligence allegedly linked him to one suspect
The former commander claims that just a month after the briefing, he was arrested by Military Police, detained for 64 days without charges, and subsequently forced into retirement.
“Till today, I don’t know my offence,” he said.
He submitted a petition to the Tinubu administration but said there has been no institutional response, compelling him to go public.
Power Structures Allegedly Connected to Key Suspects
Ali-Keffi insists he is not accusing individuals of terrorism financing. However, he claims the former Director of the NFIU personally informed him that investigations linked suspects to powerful figures via business relationships.
Key allegations made include:
Two suspects were linked to former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).
Two suspects were linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
One suspect was linked to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
One suspect was linked to former COAS Gen. Faruk Yahaya.
Ali-Keffi emphasized:
> “We did not establish that Buratai, Malami, Emefiele, or Yahaya knew the suspects were involved in terrorism financing.”
The retired general said he briefed Buhari when a request was allegedly made for release of certain suspects. The former president reportedly responded sharply:
> “You report to me and to me alone.”
$600 Million Offshore Account and Alleged $50 Million Bribe Attempt
One international suspect, Aboubacar Hima, allegedly maintained an offshore account containing $600 million. The funds were reportedly traced and frozen with help from U.S. authorities.
Ali-Keffi claims he was later informed that an intermediary allegedly offered a $50 million inducement for Nigeria to signal the U.S that there were “no issues” with the account.
He said he rejected the offer.
Upon his detention and removal, he said he learned that the Nigerian government ultimately communicated with the U.S requesting that the frozen account be released.
Pressure to Tone Down Charges and Move Case to EFCC
OSW reportedly secured strong evidence for terrorism financing charges against 48 detainees. However, Ali-Keffi alleges that political pressure sought to downgrade the case to money laundering, a move he interpreted as an attempt to transfer the matter to the EFCC, then under the influence of Malami.
A prosecution lawyer assisting OSW was allegedly removed after refusing to compromise.
“The Presidency wanted to kill the investigation,” he said.
After His Removal, Suspects Released and Ordered to Remain Silent
Following Ali-Keffi’s detention and forced retirement, Operation Service Wide collapsed.
According to him:
None of the 20 primary suspects or others held were charged to court.
All were released.
They were warned not to speak to the media or sue over their detention.
He said an insider confirmed the information to him.
Over 400 High-Value Targets Listed — Including Shekau
Perhaps the most extraordinary claim was that OSW maintained a list of over 400 targets, including the late Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau.
Ali-Keffi suggested that OSW played a role in the events leading to Shekau’s demise.
The Unanswered Questions
Ali-Keffi said the following institutions remain best positioned to clarify what ultimately happened to the investigation:
The NFIU
The EFCC
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation
He maintains that his arrest, detention, and compulsory retirement were direct consequences of resisting efforts to derail the probe.
As he takes his battle to the National Industrial Court, he says he seeks only one thing — answers.
Disclaimer;
The allegations described in this report reflect the claims made by retired General Ali-Keffi. Statements contained here do not establish wrongdoing by any individuals referenced. All individuals are presumed innocent unless legally proven otherwise.
