GENERAL FARUK YAHAYA SERVES DEMAND NOTICES OVER DEFAMATORY TERRORISM ALLEGATIONS

Lieutenant General (Dr) Faruk Yahaya (rtd) CFR NAM, Zaruman Sokoto, former Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, has taken firm legal action to clear his name and defend his integrity following the circulation of false and malicious allegations linking him to alleged terrorism financiers by Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (rtd) during an interview with Arise News and further amplified by Sahara Reporters. Acting through his legal team led by Mohammed Ndayako SAN, General Yahaya (rtd), has served formal demand notices on Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (rtd), as well as the management of Arise News and Sahara Reporters, over the contents of defamatory interviews, reports, and publications widely circulated in recent days.

The demand notices, dated 17th December 2025, give the affected parties seventy-two (72) hours from the date of the receipt of the demand notices to retract the false allegations, issue unreserved public apologies and immediately cease further publication or dissemination of the claims. Failure to comply will result in legal action.

General Yahaya’s decision to pursue legal redress is aimed not only at protecting his personal honour, but also at discouraging the dangerous spread of unverified allegations capable of undermining public trust in national institutions and those who have served the nation with distinction.

He remains committed to the rule of law, accountability, professionalism, truth and will not allow falsehoods driven by malice or personal grievances to go unchallenged.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr
Abuja
7th January 2026

African Church Cathedral Elevates Ministers 

… Tasks Them on Exclusive Loyalty to Christ and Church

By Ifeoma Ikem 

The African Church Cathedral in Lagos was filled with joy and reverence as families, members, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the elevation of 10 Canons as Archdeacons. His Eminence, Julius Olayinka Osayande Abbe, Primate of the African Church, urged the newly elevated Archdeacons to remain loyal to Christ and the Church, and to be grateful to God for their elevation.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Elevation Service, Primate Abbe emphasized that the Archdeacons had worked diligently and deserved their elevation, saying, “Let your life be an offering to God.”

He described the elevation service as a significant ceremony, marking the culmination of their patience and hard work.

Abbe reminded the ministers to embrace their calling with humility, passion, and a readiness to serve, citing Jesus’ words that “the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few.”

He urged them to remain committed to God’s work and to be loyal to the authority of the Church.

Yeye Annah Afolabi, Protem Lay President of the church, advised the ministers to serve with humility and care for people, saying, “History is being made today. They should not feel that they can do whatever they like because they have been elevated, but should have the spirit of God in their minds and serve according to the words of our Lord.”

Chief (Mrs) Toyin Lajumoke, Hon. Vice Lay President, Arch Cathedral Province, described the elevation service as a day that the Lord has made, saying, “This has proven that the Church of God is moving forward.” She charged the newly elevated ministers to follow the sermon as given by Bishop Tunde Bamigboye, which advised them to shun worldly mindset, serve God with humility and focus on moving the Church forward.

The Primate and other church leaders expressed their confidence that the newly elevated ministers would continue to serve the Church with dedication and commitment.

UN-WCD Back Tinubu’s Security Push, Seek Matawalle’s Redeployment

The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), has openly backed President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy, demanding immidiate redeployment of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, from the ministry.

The Diplomats, at a press conference held on Monday in Abuja, said Matawalle’s move from Defence Ministry became necessary to eliminate what they termed “perceived internal obstacles” to success against banditry and terrorism in the country.

The diplomats disclosed their position while presenting an Assessment Report on the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria.

Unveiling the report, UN-WCD Secretary-General H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, praised the growing military partnership between Nigeria and the United States, describing the joint operations as precise, disciplined, and effective.

According to Asaolu, the assessment revealed that despite the scale of recent joint military engagements, no civilian casualties were recorded, a development he said underscored professionalism and adherence to international rules of engagement.

“We commend the United States military and the Nigerian Ministry of Defence for the progress recorded so far in degrading terrorist networks,” he said, adding that the collaboration has weakened insurgent strongholds across several regions.

However, Asaolu warned that persistent attacks showed that terrorism has not been fully eradicated.

He cited the recent bandit attack at Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State, where over 30 traders were reportedly killed, as evidence that Nigeria’s security architecture still required urgent recalibration.

The UN-WCD Secretary-General said the incident reinforced the need for a “surgical cleansing” of the defence system, particularly of officials whose continued presence raises public suspicion or operational concerns.

While cautioning against destabilising scenarios similar to the recent Venezuela crisis—where a sitting president was arrested during a full-scale military operation sanctioned by the United States, Asaolu stressed that President Tinubu has displayed uncommon political will in tackling insecurity.

“Our findings show clearly that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gone beyond expectations in confronting terrorism. What remains is to remove internal bottlenecks that could undermine his efforts,” he said.

At the centre of the diplomats’ recommendations was a direct call for the redeployment of Matawalle from the Ministry of Defence, which they described as critical to restoring confidence and coherence in the anti-terror war.

They cited persistent credibility questions, including allegations of links with bandits dating back to Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara State, warning that keeping an official under such scrutiny weakens the moral authority of the security campaign.

The group also noted that Matawalle’s continued stay in the defence ministry could dilute the seriousness signaled by recent military leadership reforms, including the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.

Additional red flags raised by the diplomats included allegations from former associates, claims of shielding bandit leaders, facilitation of ransom payments, and public remarks perceived as dismissive of victims—issues they said have fuelled anger and distrust.

UN-WCD further argued that Matawalle’s limited security background, coupled with mounting calls for his removal from clerics and respected commentators, has drawn unwelcome international attention to Nigeria’s defence leadership.

“The war against terrorism cannot be fought with credibility gaps at the top,” Asaolu said. “Allowing officials facing serious allegations to remain in sensitive positions risks sabotaging public trust and operational effectiveness.”

The diplomatic body concluded by urging President Tinubu to treat Matawalle’s redeployment not as a sanction, but as a decisive governance move necessary to tighten the security chain, reassure Nigerians, and fast-track victory against terrorism.

“Public sentiment against banditry is high, and the resurfacing of dismissive comments made by Mr. Mutawalle reflects a lack of empathy towards thousands of victims. His remarks alienate those affected and can severely damage the government’s credibility in addressing security challenges, one of the reasons why the Christian genocide claim was more pronounced.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s security apparatus is crucial. Allowing individuals under serious scrutiny to remain in leadership roles can compromise institutional efficacy and credibility. A change in leadership is vital to restore faith and effectiveness within the defence ministry.

“In conclusion, I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider these points seriously. The redeployment of Bello Mutawalle from the Ministry of Defense is not merely a matter of personnel; it is a critical step toward reaffirming our commitment to accountability, integrity, and the effective governance essential for our national security,” they stated.