Concerned Defenders Fault Sahara Reporters’ Claims, Say Allegations Against Buratai “Baseless, Malicious”
Concerned Defenders Fault Sahara Reporters’ Claims, Say Allegations Against Buratai “Baseless, Malicious”
Concerned Defenders Fault Sahara Reporters’ Claims, Say Allegations Against Buratai “Baseless, Malicious”
A civic advocacy group known as the Concerned Defenders of National Consciousness and Integrity has strongly condemned a recent report by Sahara Reporters, describing it as “reckless, malicious, and a direct attack on Nigeria’s unity and security consciousness.”
The group issued a detailed statement on Thursday in response to Sahara Reporters’ December 5, 2025 publication titled “Terror Suspects, Alleged Financiers Were Linked to Powerful Nigerians…”—a report they say is based on “falsehood, conjecture, and the testimony of one disgruntled retired officer.”
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According to the statement, the allegations—particularly those referencing former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd)—were described as “baseless, unfounded, and dangerously misleading.”
“Service and Sacrifice Cannot Be Tarnished by Gossip”
The organization emphasized that Gen. Buratai and several other individuals mentioned in the publication are “patriots whose sacrifices helped stabilise Nigeria at its most critical moments.”
They argued that linking such persons to terrorism without evidence is “illogical, irresponsible, and an insult to the memory of fallen soldiers.”
A “Manipulative Narrative” Built on No Evidence
The group accused Sahara Reporters of deploying a “logical fallacy” by framing ordinary social or professional associations as evidence of wrongdoing.
“In a country of over 200 million people with complex networks, a ‘link’ is meaningless without proof,” the statement read.
They further stressed that the publication itself acknowledged having no concrete evidence.
Questioning the Platform and the Motive
The Concerned Defenders also questioned the credibility of Sahara Reporters, saying it has a “history of sensational reports that collapse under scrutiny.”
They warned that publishing such a sensitive story without multi-source verification is “highly irresponsible and capable of destabilizing public confidence.”
The group added that the timing and tone of the publication “suggest a targeted campaign to undermine national institutions and rewrite the history of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts.”
A Call for National Unity and Responsible Journalism
Reaffirming their commitment to national cohesion, the group declared that:
- The allegations in the report are entirely false.
- Media trials and unfounded accusations weaken the nation.
- Nigerians must demand truthful, evidence-based journalism.
- Acts aimed at tarnishing the legacy of national heroes must be rejected.
They urged citizens and the international community to “rise above sensationalism, honour the sacrifices of security personnel, and shield Nigeria’s collective consciousness from divisive narratives.”
“Enough is Enough”
The statement concluded with a strong message:
“Our national consciousness is built on truth, sacrifice, and unity. We will not allow it to be poisoned by malice. For the sake of our past, present, and future—enough is enough.”
The declaration was jointly signed by members of the Concerned Defenders of National Consciousness and Integrity, who reiterated their commitment to promoting truth, stability, and responsible public discourse.
Concerned Defenders Fault Sahara Reporters’ Claims, Say Allegations Against Buratai “Baseless, Malicious”
