Human rights activist and political commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has launched a scathing critique of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), accusing him of hypocrisy and historical complicity in state violence, even as the retired general now appears to be repositioning himself politically.
In a post shared on his official X handle, Adeyanju lambasted Buratai for attempting to rebrand himself as a progressive voice, describing him instead as a central figure in Nigeria’s descent into widespread insecurity and state-sponsored violence.
“Imagine Buratai, the killer of over 1,000 Shiites and chief propagator of insecurity all over Nigeria now acting like a brand-new comrade,” Adeyanju wrote. “When he took over as security chief, insecurity was only in Borno. Before he left, it was all over Nigeria.”
Adeyanju did not hold back in listing alleged atrocities linked to the former Army Chief, including:
The 2015 Zaria Massacre of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), where over 300 Shiite followers were reportedly killed.
The violent crackdown on IPOB members, especially during the Operation Python Dance operations in the South East.
The role of the military during the End SARS protests, where peaceful demonstrators were killed at the Lekki Tollgate and other locations under his command.
“Buratai also supervised the killing of IPOB members and End SARS protesters with Buhari’s backing. But today, he is trying to become a coalition comrade,” Adeyanju added, referring to recent moves by Buratai to associate with political advocacy groups.
Background
Buratai served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure was marked by intensified military operations against insurgents, but also by multiple allegations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings—many of which were denied or downplayed by military authorities at the time.
In 2021, he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, a move critics saw as a soft landing after years of controversial military leadership.
A New Political Ambition?
Recent public appearances and political statements attributed to Buratai suggest he may be nursing political ambitions or aiming to play a strategic role in a future coalition. This rebranding effort, however, is not going unchallenged.
“If we criticize him now, they’ll say we’re attacking the opposition,” Adeyanju warned, implying that Buratai’s new allies may attempt to shield him from accountability under the guise of political balancing.
Calls for Accountability
Deji Adeyanju, who has consistently advocated for justice, transparency, and democratic values in Nigeria, reiterated that past atrocities cannot be whitewashed by opportunistic political moves.
“Nigerians must not forget. You don’t just wear the robe of a comrade after years of bloodshed and expect applause,” he said.
As the country navigates its current democratic challenges, observers say Adeyanju’s warning may reignite calls for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s military actions under previous administrations and ensure that accountability is not sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
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