From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Members of the hometown community of former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya have denounced a viral video accusing the retired military chief of involvement in “sponsored terrorism.”
The Sifawa Development Forum described the video as false, malicious, and a threat to national security.
Briefing newsmen of Friday in Sokoto, the Forum’s Secretary-General, Mohammed Bello Yusuf, said the community was “shocked and deeply disturbed” by attempts to link Gen. Yahaya to activities he spent his career fighting against.
“We find it outrageous and unacceptable that anyone would fabricate a video to accuse a former Chief of Army Staff of sponsoring terrorism,” Yusuf said.
The Forum noted that the video was part of a wider campaign to smear senior military officers and erode public trust in the nation’s security architecture.
Analysts warn that such misinformation can weaken public morale, distort security narratives, and create distrust in institutions responsible for safeguarding lives and property.
Gen. Yahaya served as COAS from 2021 to 2023 and played a significant role in counterterrorism operations in the North East and coordinated joint efforts against banditry in the North West.
The SDF said it was “deeply troubling” that individuals could exploit digital platforms to spread narratives accusing a retired military leader of the very crimes he dedicated decades to combating.
The group urged security agencies to investigate the origin of the video, identify its creators, and prosecute those behind the smear campaign.
They also appealed to media organizations to exercise restraint and professionalism, noting that amplifying unverified claims can worsen instability.
The briefing drew community leaders, scholars, youth groups, and retired officers, who backed the call for stronger action against digital misinformation targeting security personnel.
They emphasized that protecting the reputation of national institutions is essential to maintaining operational effectiveness and sustaining public confidence.