Ethnic Youth Leaders in Nigeria Rally Behind Major General Abubakar, Slam Allegations as Smear Campaign

A powerful coalition of youth leaders under the banner of the Forum of Ethnic Youth Leadership in Nigeria has come out in strong defense of Major General A.E. Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Jos, following recent anonymous accusations leveled against him.

At a well-attended press conference held at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Jos, the forum dismissed the allegations which suggest that General Abubakar prioritized development projects for certain communities while ignoring attacks on others as “unfounded, divisive, and deeply irresponsible.”

“This is not just an attack on a man—it’s an attack on Nigeria’s military integrity,” said Activist Sadiq Kwaltommai, President of the Forum and National Youth Leader of the Bogghom people. “We reject the baseless claims against Major General Abubakar, who has served this nation with honor and distinction.”

The group noted that the allegations stemmed from an unnamed officer and thus lack credibility and accountability. They emphasized that under Abubakar’s command, Operation Safe Haven not only fought terrorism on the ground but also addressed the underlying drivers of insecurity poverty, lack of education, and poor healthcare access through deliberate and inclusive community interventions.

The forum highlighted the impact of community-based projects carried out under his leadership, including the construction of schools, healthcare centers, and water boreholes in conflict-prone areas. These projects, they said, were aimed at rebuilding trust, encouraging inter-communal cooperation, and providing lasting solutions to decades-long unrest in Plateau State and surrounding regions.

“These interventions were not political favors, they were part of a national strategy for peace,” said Okenna Patrick Chukwuma, the forum’s secretary.

The youth leaders also debunked claims that soldiers were misused as laborers on civilian projects. They argued that the military’s involvement in civil-military relations and community development is a globally accepted strategy in stabilizing fragile environments.

Abdullazeez Shehu Haji, the Forum's Public Relations Officer, pointed to several of Operation Safe Haven’s achievements, including successful operations against insurgents and the recent arrest of four Pakistanis linked to arms trafficking in the North East, as clear evidence of General Abubakar’s effectiveness and commitment to national security.

The forum issued a vote of confidence in Major General Abubakar, urging him to remain focused and undeterred in the face of what they described as a calculated attempt to derail progress in the fight against insurgency.

“This is not the time to undermine our heroes,” said Kwaltommai. “This is the time to stand with those who are giving everything to restore peace to our country.”

The event ended with a unified call for national unity, military professionalism, and continued support for the federal government’s security agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are watching, we are united, and we are not silent,” the forum declared.