Malawi's anti-corruption agency said it arrested the previous army chief on Thursday on allegations including dealing in property linked to "terrorism".

General Paul Valentino Phiri's arrest comes months after the allegations against him surfaced.

"The charges arise from allegations concerning his role in facilitating illegal arms trafficking in June and July 2025," the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) said in a statement announcing Phiri's arrest.

The retired general was facing five counts "relating to abuse of office and dealing in terrorist property", it said, giving no other details.

Phiri, 54, was head of the Malawi Defence Force from July 2023 until October 2025, the month after former president Lazarus Chakwera lost the general election.

Phiri's lawyer, Powell Nkutabasa, said the main allegations were misuse of office, contravening procurement procedures and dealing in "terrorist" property.

"He was asked to report to the ACB today and he was arrested when he got there," Nkutabasa said.

The Malawi Defence Force previously confirmed it was aware of the allegations against Phiri and had been approached by the ACB but could not comment further.