Former Head of State, Retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar has denied having any link with bandits or terrorist groups in Niger State. Social media was replete with allegations last week that the former Nigerian leader owned a helicopter used in delivering arms and ammunitions to bandits and terrorists in the state. Some online media outfits also claimed last week that the impounded helicopter was also the one used in supplying food to bandits and terrorists. Abubakar described the reports as “false and unfounded’’.He disassociated himself from such “heinous crime that is unbecoming of any patriotic citizen’’.

He stated that ordinarily, he would have ignored such `spurious reports’, but had to set the records straight. He lamented that some individuals could be so callous as to peddle such allegations to smear the image and character of other people. He also urged Nigerians to continue to work and pray for enduring peace in the country, saying that no nation could attain greatness without peace and security of lives and property. His rebuttal is contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Dr Yakubu Suleiman.