The Sifawa Development Forum (SDF) has come out strongly to condemn what it described as a dangerous wave of misinformation, doctored video clips, and coordinated propaganda targeted at Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and the Zarumman Sokoto.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the Forum said the circulation of fabricated content by certain individuals, with amplification from some media platforms, is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of one of Nigeria’s most respected military leaders.
The SDF, speaking on behalf of the Sifawa community and the wider people of Sokoto State, said it would not remain silent while the name and legacy of an accomplished son of the soil are dragged into disrepute for selfish or politically motivated reasons.
According to the Forum, the Nigerian Army is an institution founded on discipline, merit, due process, and constitutional responsibility—values that shaped Lt. Gen. Yahaya’s more than three decades of distinguished service. It stressed that no amount of propaganda or distortion can erase a career built on integrity, patriotism, and professionalism.
The Forum described the circulating videos and narratives as lacking credibility, context, and authenticity, noting that they were clearly designed to damage public trust in senior military officers and undermine national security institutions. It warned that such attacks go beyond an individual, amounting to a broader assault on the honour and credibility of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Reaffirming its confidence in Lt. Gen. Yahaya’s record, the SDF said his career is verifiable, consistent, and unblemished. It urged those spreading baseless allegations to desist, noting that the claims do not align with his well-documented trajectory of service.
The Forum recalled several key command and staff positions held by the retired Army Chief, each reflecting competence, discipline, and leadership. These include his roles as Garrison Commander, Guards Brigade Garrison; Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; and Principal General Staff Officer to the Minister of Defence between 2014 and 2015.
He later served as Brigade Commander, 4 Brigade, and Task Force Commander of Operation PULO SHIELD, commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade in Borgozo in 2016, and became Director of Manpower and Planning at Army Headquarters. Between 2017 and 2018, he served as Military Secretary (Army), overseeing postings, promotions, and career development of officers.
His appointment as General Officer Commanding, 1 Mechanised Division, Kaduna, between 2019 and 2020, and later as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole—later renamed Operation Hadin Kai—saw him oversee critical counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
The SDF described his appointment as Chief of Army Staff in May 2021 as a clear recognition of his competence, loyalty, and leadership. His tenure from 2021 to 2023, the Forum said, was marked by discipline, strategic thinking, and measurable operational gains across multiple theatres.
It also highlighted his strong mentorship culture, noting that officers groomed under his leadership went on to occupy top positions within Nigeria’s defence architecture. Among them were 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, also a former CDS and now Minister of Defence.
Beyond command responsibilities, the Forum credited Lt. Gen. Yahaya with introducing key operational reforms that strengthened intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation. Under his leadership, the Army recorded major successes against Boko Haram, enabling the reopening of key routes and the gradual return of displaced communities in the North-East.
He was also praised for prioritising troop welfare through improved accommodation, better medical facilities, expanded training programmes, and modernisation of equipment. These reforms, the SDF said, boosted morale, strengthened special forces, and improved operational efficiency nationwide.
In its closing remarks, the Forum reaffirmed its full solidarity with Lt. Gen. Yahaya and warned that it would support legal action if those behind the smear campaign fail to issue a public apology. It also called on journalists, influencers, and media practitioners to uphold accuracy, responsibility, and ethical standards.
The SDF concluded that the legacy of Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya remains firm and unshaken—defined by excellence, discipline, courage, and distinguished service to Nigeria.
