Military authorities have reportedly detained Brigadier General Gabriel E. Archibong since early January 2026 over alleged connections to retired Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi. Alongside him, three others, including his personal assistant, driver, and a civilian steward, are also in custody.
Those held with Archibong are Sgt. Zakari Lawali, Cpl. Adekanye Olaoluwa, and Ismaila, a household steward. Reports indicate that the detention relates to Archibong’s communications with Ali-Keffi and claims that he was not fully cooperating with military authorities.
Following his arrest, Archibong’s residence in Lugbe was searched, and his phones and laptop were seized, though nothing incriminating was reportedly found. Archibong serves as Chief of Staff at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army, Minna, where he plays a strategic role in shaping military operations and training.
A highly respected officer, Archibong has had a distinguished career since being commissioned in 1999, participating in UN peacekeeping missions and operational deployments in Nigeria’s North East. He is known for his resilience, including recovering from a severe accident that left him bedridden for over two years.
Ali-Keffi, who headed the counter-terrorism task force Operation Service Wide (OSW), previously filed a multi-billion-naira lawsuit challenging his own arrest and compulsory retirement, alleging unlawful detention, denial of fair hearing, and interference with terrorism-financing investigations. The task force reportedly traced suspects linked to senior military officers and key government officials, though Ali-Keffi maintains he did not directly accuse them.
Military sources have expressed concern over the impact of Archibong’s detention on his career and well-being, highlighting his long-standing service and dedication.
