By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO:-The Sifawa Development Forum (SDF) has issued a firm and unequivocal condemnation of what it described as a dangerous wave of false narratives, doctored video clips and malicious propaganda targeted at the personality of Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and Zarumman Sokoto.
In a strongly worded press briefing held on Friday, the Forum said the recent circulation of fabricated materials by certain individuals and amplified by some media platforms represents a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians and smear the impeccable record of one of Nigeria’s most distinguished military officers.
The SDF, speaking on behalf of the entire Sifawa community and the people of Sokoto State, said it would not stand by while the legacy of an accomplished son of the soil is dragged into disrepute for selfish or politically-motivated reasons.
The Forum reminded the public that the Nigerian Army is an institution built on discipline, merit, procedures and constitutional responsibility values that guided Lt. Gen. Yahaya through more than three decades of professional military service.
According to the Forum, no amount of misinformation, propaganda or deliberate distortion can diminish the reputation of Lt. Gen. Yahaya, who remains a shining model of integrity, patriotism and professionalism.
The SDF noted that the videos and narratives being circulated lack credibility, context or authenticity, and were crafted solely to damage public trust in senior military officers and undermine national security institutions. It stressed that these attempts to tarnish the image of respected Generals of the Nigerian Army amount to a broader assault on the honour and credibility of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Forum insisted that Lt. Gen. Yahaya’s career record is verifiable, consistent and unblemished, and said detractors should be ashamed of peddling baseless allegations that do not align with his trajectory of service.
Recalling his decades of contributions, the SDF outlined key command and staff positions held by the retired Army Chief, each of which demonstrated competence, discipline and leadership.
Among these roles were his appointments as Garrison Commander of the Guards Brigade Garrison and Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
He also served as Principal General Staff Officer to the Minister of Defence between 2014 and 2015, and later as Brigade Commander 4 Brigade and Task Force Commander Operation PULO SHIELD. Lt. Gen. Yahaya commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade in Borgozo in 2016, before becoming Director of Manpower and Planning at Army Headquarters.
He later served as Military Secretary (Army) from 2017 to 2018, where he was responsible for postings, promotions and career development of officers.
His exemplary service earned him appointment as General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanised Division in Kaduna between 2019 and 2020.
In 2020, he became Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole later Operation Hadin Kai where he oversaw critical counter-terrorism operations in the North East.
The Forum emphasised that his appointment as Chief of Army Staff in May 2021 was a testament to his exceptional competence, loyalty and leadership qualities.
Lt. Gen. Yahaya’s stewardship of the Army between 2021 and 2023 was described as transformative, disciplined and strategic, resulting in notable operational advances across theatres.
The SDF highlighted his role in grooming, mentoring and elevating capable officers who went on to occupy top positions in the military and defence architecture.
These include the late Lt. Gen. T.A. Lagbaja, who succeeded him as Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, now Chief of Defence Staff, and Maj. Gen. C.G. Musa, who rose to CDS and is currently Minister of Defence.
According to the Forum, this culture of mentorship underscores Lt. Gen. Yahaya’s commitment to institutional development and meritocracy within the Nigerian Army.
The SDF said it remains proud of the Army as an institution that shaped Gen. Yahaya into a disciplined, patriotic and exemplary leader admired both locally and nationally.
It urged Nigerians and all media platforms to disregard the propaganda, which it described as baseless, malicious and incapable of overshadowing decades of verifiable national service.
The Forum reaffirmed that Lt. Gen. Yahaya hails from a disciplined and reputable family a fact widely acknowledged within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
It maintained that no campaign of falsehood or manipulated content can erase his contributions to Nigeria’s security, unity and professional military development.
In its closing remarks, the SDF declared its full solidarity with Lt. Gen. Yahaya and announced support for legal action should the perpetrators fail to issue a public apology.
The Forum also called on journalists, influencers and media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy and ethics in their reporting.
It warned that irresponsible journalism not only damages individual reputations but also undermines national institutions crucial to Nigeria’s stability.
Beyond his command responsibilities, Lt. Gen. Yahaya is credited with introducing significant operational reforms that enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency synergy in conflict-prone areas. His leadership saw the Nigerian Army record major breakthroughs in dismantling Boko Haram strongholds, enabling the gradual return of displaced communities and restoration of key transportation routes across the North-East. These achievements were consistently acknowledged by field commanders and security experts who worked under him.
The Forum also called on journalists, influencers and media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy and ethics in their reporting.It warned that irresponsible journalism not only damages individual reputations but also undermines national institutions crucial to Nigeria’s stability.Beyond his command responsibilities, Lt. Gen. Yahaya is credited with introducing significant operational reforms that enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency synergy in conflict-prone areas. His leadership saw the Nigerian Army record major breakthroughs in dismantling Boko Haram strongholds, enabling the gradual return of displaced communities and restoration of key transportation routes across the North-East. These achievements were consistently acknowledged by field commanders and security experts who worked under him.He is also celebrated for prioritising the welfare of troops through improved accommodation, enhanced medical facilities and expanded training programmes. Under his watch, the Army modernised key equipment, strengthened special forces capabilities and improved recruitment standards—advances which boosted morale and operational efficiency nationwide. According to the Forum, these accomplishments reflect his unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more professional and combat-ready Nigerian Army.The SDF concluded that the legacy of Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya stands unshaken defined by excellence, discipline, courage and distinguished leadership.
He is also celebrated for prioritising the welfare of troops through improved accommodation, enhanced medical facilities and expanded training programmes. Under his watch, the Army modernised key equipment, strengthened special forces capabilities and improved recruitment standards—advances which boosted morale and operational efficiency nationwide. According to the Forum, these accomplishments reflect his unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more professional and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
The SDF concluded that the legacy of Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya stands unshaken defined by excellence, discipline, courage and distinguished leadership.
The post Dismantling narratives about ex-Army Chief, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya appeared first on Vanguard News.
