By SUNTV Global Channel
September 4, 2026 | National Security & Politics | Abuja, Nigeria
Retired Nigerian Army Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi has cautioned serving and retired military officers against becoming involved in partisan political controversies, following recent remarks attributed to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), concerning former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Ali-Keffi, a former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division, described the controversy surrounding Musa’s comments as political and warned that senior military figures must exercise restraint when commenting on politically sensitive issues.
Speaking in an interview, the retired military officer said generals command significant public respect and influence, making it necessary for them to carefully consider the implications of their public statements.
According to him, military professionals should avoid actions or comments capable of dragging the armed forces into partisan political disputes.
“Generals should be very careful how we comment on political issues. We are not professional politicians. We should leave politics for politicians,” Ali-Keffi said.
He expressed disappointment over Musa’s public comments regarding El-Rufai, particularly allegations relating to the former governor’s handling of security challenges during his administration in Kaduna State.
Ali-Keffi challenged the Defence Minister to provide evidence for any allegations suggesting that El-Rufai negotiated with or paid criminal groups.
Drawing from his experience as a former GOC in Kaduna, Ali-Keffi said El-Rufai never interfered with military operations or instructed security forces to halt actions against armed groups during his tenure.
He maintained that his personal experience contradicted claims suggesting that the former Kaduna governor prevented military operations against criminal elements.
Ali-Keffi recalled that several security operations were conducted across Kaduna State during his time in command, adding that the state government provided intelligence that supported military activities.
He also praised the role of security officials in the El-Rufai administration, particularly their cooperation and communication with military commanders during security operations.
According to the retired general, military authorities regularly coordinated with the Kaduna State Government before conducting clearance operations in areas affected by insecurity.
He said El-Rufai eventually cooperated with efforts aimed at reducing civilian casualties and ensuring that military operations were properly coordinated.
Ali-Keffi further questioned the timing of the allegations against the former governor, suggesting that the matter had taken on a political dimension.
He warned that senior military officers must protect their professional credibility and avoid becoming entangled in political disagreements.
“Our words carry a lot of weight and are listened to by many people. That is why we must be extremely careful,” he said.
The retired general acknowledged that he did not agree with all of El-Rufai’s decisions as governor, but maintained that personal disagreements should not lead to allegations that cannot be supported with verifiable evidence.
The controversy has further drawn attention to the delicate relationship between military leadership, national security and political discourse in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, past statements by El-Rufai regarding compensation paid to some foreign Fulani herders have continued to generate debate.
In 2016, El-Rufai publicly stated that his administration had engaged with aggrieved herders outside Nigeria and paid compensation as part of efforts aimed at addressing retaliatory violence linked to the Southern Kaduna crisis.
The former governor said the initiative followed investigations into the roots of the violence and was intended to prevent further attacks and break the cycle of reprisals.
The latest exchange between Ali-Keffi and the Defence Minister highlights growing debate over the role of senior military figures in political discussions and the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between professional military service and partisan politics.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments surrounding the controversy and provide updates as more details emerge.
📍 Location: Abuja, Nigeria
📅 Published: September 4, 2026
🕒 Category: National Security & Politics
✍️ Reporter: SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
