Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi alleged the Muhammadu Buhari administration was displeased with the killing of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau by his covert team, Operation Service Wide (OSW), citing a muted response compared to the US handling of Osama Bin Laden’s death and a subsequent lack of funding for the successful counter-terrorism unit.
Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, former GOC 1 Division and head of Operation Service Wide (OSW), has alleged the Muhammadu Buhari administration was “unhappy” with the elimination of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. Ali-Keffi stated the government’s reaction was notably muted, failing to celebrate the victory. He contrasted this with the US celebration of Osama Bin Laden’s demise. “Crucially, the previous (Muhammadu Buhari) administration was unhappy with the Operation Service Wide after we got Shekau and that explains the refusal of the government to celebrate his death,” he claimed
OSW Successes and Frustrations
The retired general expressed frustration over the administration’s lukewarm attitude and subsequent lack of financial support for OSW. Despite briefing the President and receiving approval for an extension, Ali-Keffi alleged no funds were released for six months, forcing him to personally finance the sensitive, costly operations. He noted that international intelligence identified Alhaji Saidu Ahmed, a financier linked to massive transactions, as the group’s true leader. His initial arrest weakened the group, highlighting that Shekau was not the topmost figure.