Retired Nigerian Army Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi has appealed to the US, UK, and EU for urgent protection, claiming his life and those of his family are in “mortal danger.”
Ali-Keffi said the threats stem from his role in a covert anti-terrorism operation, Operation Service Wide (OSW), under the late President Buhari, which targeted terrorism financiers and leaders. He alleged the Nigerian government has failed to ensure his safety following multiple assassination attempts and unlawful detention.
Ali-Keffi said he was appointed in October 2020 to lead OSW, which worked with military, security, and intelligence personnel, as well as legal experts. The operation reportedly captured key Boko Haram leaders and arrested 48 terrorism financiers, collaborating with 33 countries, including the US, UK, and EU.
He claimed the crisis began after he refused to release suspects and rejected bribery attempts, and he suspects explosives caused the May 2021 plane crash that killed then-COAS Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.
He alleged his removal as General Officer Commanding 1st Division in August 2021, followed by 64 days of solitary detention and compulsory retirement without trial. Ali-Keffi also said investigations linked some suspects to senior military and political figures but did not accuse them of terrorism financing.
Having survived four assassination attempts, he has petitioned President Tinubu and filed legal action against the Nigerian Army, seeking international intervention to protect him and his family.