Ethnic Youth Forum Defends Major General Abubakar, Dismisses Allegations as Baseless

The Forum of Ethnic Youth in Nigeria (FEYN) has issued a strongly worded rebuttal to a series of anonymous allegations leveled against Major General A.E. Abubakar, current Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and former commander of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State.

At a press briefing held at the Azi Nyako Youth Center in Jos, the group — representing youth leaders from diverse ethnic nationalities across the country — denounced the allegations as “malicious, unfounded, and designed to discredit both the individual and the Nigerian Armed Forces at large.”

The statement was formally endorsed by key officials of the forum: Activist Sadiq Kwaltommai, CNA (Forum President and National Youth Leader of the Bogghom Nation), Mr. Okenna Patrick Chukwuma (Forum Secretary), and Abdullazeez Shehu Haji (Forum Public Relations Officer).

Allegations Labeled as Politically Motivated and Divisive

The allegations, which circulated recently via anonymous social media accounts and unverifiable blogs, accused Major General Abubakar of misusing military personnel for personal or civilian purposes, and of failing to protect vulnerable communities in the North Central and North East regions. The FEYN, however, described these claims as “carefully orchestrated misinformation aimed at sowing division, undermining morale, and targeting a credible officer for political reasons.”

> “Ordinarily, we would not respond to unverified claims from faceless sources,” stated President Kwaltommai. “But when the integrity of a tested and patriotic officer is being undermined by enemies of peace, we are compelled to speak.”

The forum emphasized that the timing and nature of the allegations suggest an attempt to derail ongoing military efforts against insurgency, banditry, and communal violence across the country.

Highlighting Operational Achievements and Community Impact

The youth coalition drew attention to the significant progress recorded under Major General Abubakar’s leadership in both Operation Hadin Kai (focused on counter-terrorism in the North East) and Operation Safe Haven (tasked with restoring peace in Plateau and neighboring states).

According to the forum:

* Dozens of tactical successes were recorded against Boko Haram and ISWAP factions.
* Under Abubakar, operations saw improved coordination between military units and local vigilantes, resulting in enhanced security presence in rural communities.
* Civil-military relations were strengthened through infrastructure development and community outreach programs.

Specifically, the forum listed several community-benefiting initiatives:

* Construction and renovation of schools and primary healthcare centers
* Drilling of boreholes for clean water access in remote villages
* Hosting of inter-local government football tournaments designed to bridge ethnic divides and promote social cohesion

> “These were not cosmetic projects,” said Forum Secretary Chukwuma. “They were strategic interventions aimed at addressing the socio-economic roots of insecurity — poverty, exclusion, and ethnic mistrust.”

Citing Key Security Breakthroughs: Arrest of Foreign Arms Dealers

In a bid to underscore the effectiveness of Abubakar’s command style, the forum pointed to a high-profile bust in which four Pakistani nationals involved in illegal arms trafficking were apprehended in Nigeria’s North East.

The operation, which involved coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance, was cited as evidence of Abubakar’s “proactive, intelligence-driven approach” to security management.

> “These are not just symbolic wins. They represent concrete disruptions of international arms supply chains that feed violence in our country,” emphasized Forum PRO Haji.


Passing a Vote of Confidence and Calling for National Support

At the climax of the event, the forum passed a formal vote of confidence in Major General A.E. Abubakar, praising him for his “unblemished record of service, transparency in command, and inclusive peacebuilding approach.”

The forum also urged the Nigerian public, especially youth across ethnic and religious lines, to reject divisive narratives and instead support the Armed Forces in their ongoing efforts to secure the nation.

> “We stand firmly with Major General Abubakar,” the statement read. “His leadership aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a united, peaceful, and secure Nigeria. As youth leaders, we call for vigilance against misinformation and solidarity with our nation’s defenders.”

The event concluded with patriotic songs and symbolic salutes, signaling unity and collective resolve in the face of persistent insecurity.


Analysis: Why This Matters

This public defense of a senior military figure by a multi-ethnic youth coalition is both significant and timely. It reflects a broader concern among civil society about the use of anonymous media campaigns to undermine national institutions. Moreover, it highlights the role of youth voices in defending not only individuals, but also the credibility of democratic and security structures.

With tensions still simmering in parts of the country and misinformation spreading rapidly online, such unified actions could play a pivotal role in shaping public trust and reinforcing national cohesion.