Retired Nigerian Army Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi has raised alarms over persistent threats to his life and that of his family, appealing to the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and European Union leaders for protection.
In a letter describing himself as “distressed and endangered,” Ali-Keffi cited his involvement in a covert anti-terrorism operation under the late President Muhammadu Buhari as the reason for the ongoing risks. He claimed that despite multiple assassination attempts, unlawful detention, compulsory retirement, and sustained persecution, the Nigerian government has failed to ensure his safety.
Military Background
Born on January 29, 1966, in Kaduna, Ali-Keffi served in the Nigerian Army for 30 years, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Defence Studies. He trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and held several high-ranking positions, including Director of Training at Army Headquarters and Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji.
He also represented the Nigerian Army in international training and planning exercises with the UK, US, and EU militaries, and coordinated the United States–Africa Land Forces Conference in Abuja in April 2018.
Operation Service Wide
In October 2020, Ali-Keffi was appointed by President Buhari to lead a covert Presidential Task Force named Operation Service Wide (OSW), composed of military, security, intelligence, and legal personnel. The task force targeted terrorism financiers, sponsors, collaborators, and leaders of terrorist organisations.
During its initial six months, OSW reportedly captured or eliminated key Boko Haram leaders and arrested 48 terrorism financiers, including a principal figure identified by Western and Middle Eastern intelligence. The operation involved cooperation with 33 countries under the cover of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Alleged Pressure and Fallout
Ali-Keffi claimed that after OSW’s early successes, he faced pressure to release some suspects and alleged attempts to bribe task force members, which he refused. He also raised suspicions over the May 21, 2021, plane crash that killed Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and Brig. Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya, suggesting it may have been deliberate to undermine OSW.
Following the crash, OSW faced setbacks, including denial of funds and Ali-Keffi’s removal as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1st Division on August 8, 2021—a post intended to support OSW operations.
Arrest, Detention, and Compulsory Retirement
On October 18, 2021, Ali-Keffi said he was arrested by military police and held for 64 days under harsh conditions, including solitary confinement, deprivation of belongings, intense interrogation, and lack of basic comforts. He reportedly collapsed during detention and was hospitalized under armed guard.
He was released on December 21, 2021, and issued a compulsory retirement letter without charge or court-martial. Ali-Keffi claims he has never been informed of any offence and that requests for meetings with the late President Buhari were ignored.
Alleged Links of Senior Officials
In his letter, Ali-Keffi alleged that investigations during OSW revealed links between some terrorism financing suspects and senior military officers, including former Chiefs of Army Staff Lt. Gens. Tukur Yusuf Buratai and Faruk Yahaya, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. He stressed that he was not accusing these officials of terrorism financing, but claimed the links emerged during investigations.
He also said that following his arrest, all 48 terrorism suspects in Army custody were released without trial under suspicious circumstances.
Assassination Attempts and Legal Action
Since leaving service, Ali-Keffi claims to have survived four assassination attempts, the latest on June 7, 2023, along the Kaduna–Abuja highway. He wrote to President Bola Tinubu on June 21, 2023, seeking redress, but reportedly received no response. In June 2025, he filed a legal case against the Nigerian Army at the National Industrial Court, which he claims has not progressed due to the Army allegedly refusing court documents.
Appeal for International Protection
Citing the Nigerian government’s inability to guarantee his safety, Ali-Keffi appealed to the US, UK, and EU to provide protection for him and his family, warning that they face “mortal danger” without external intervention.
