Ex-General Challenges Defence Minister on El-Rufai Claims

Retired Nigerian Army Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi has publicly criticized Defence Minister Christopher Musa for his allegations that former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai paid bandits to kill people in Kaduna. Ali-Keffi described Musa's remarks as politically motivated and urged him to provide evidence for his claims.

He emphasized the importance of military personnel maintaining neutrality in political matters, stating that their words carry significant weight. Ali-Keffi refuted claims that El-Rufai obstructed military action against armed groups, asserting that during his time as General Officer Commanding 1 Division, El-Rufai never instructed him to spare criminals based on ethnicity.

He noted that military operations were conducted with the cooperation of the Kaduna State Government, particularly highlighting Samuel Aruwan's role in providing intelligence. Ali-Keffi also recounted his communication with El-Rufai regarding civilian safety during military operations, which El-Rufai initially questioned but ultimately accepted.