The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent escalation in killings across the country to political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
Nigeria has in recent weeks witnessed renewed terror attacks in the North-East, persistent banditry in the North-West, and recurring violence in Benue and Plateau states.
On Monday, at least 34 worshippers were killed when gunmen stormed a mosque in Unguwar Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday night, Musa said the sharp rise in insecurity compared to last year could not be divorced from political maneuvering ahead of the polls.
“Criminals, both bandits and terrorists, work together. They have a common goal to make money and destabilise communities. But there is also a political angle.
Some individuals don’t want peace because when there is peace, the government is seen to be doing well. When there is no peace, the government is seen to be failing,” he said.
The Defence Chief questioned the logic behind politicians allegedly fuelling bloodshed. “Last year, we recorded the lowest number of deaths.
How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked? Politics is coming, the election is coming.
You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited.
But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern? What do you gain from it?” Musa asked
.
On terrorism financing, Musa revealed that both local and international networks are sustaining violent groups. He disclosed that the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency are tracking financiers, though legal obstacles have slowed the process of naming them.
“The process of naming terrorism financiers is on. Just last week, the AGF and others went to check.
It has to do with legal issues and international connections. Some of them get funds from outside.
The NFIU has been doing so much; arrests have been made, and prosecutions have started.
Those behind the Owo bombing are already facing trial,” he said.
Musa lamented that Nigeria’s legal system hampers terrorism prosecutions and called for faster trials, stricter laws and the establishment of special courts.
“Our legal system is frustrating. We need to unbundle it, make it faster and more stringent. Once people know they can get away with anything, impunity sets in,” he stressed.
The Defence Chief also highlighted regional threats, warning that instability in the Sahel region has created open markets for arms, which infiltrate Nigeria through its porous 4,000-kilometre border.
He urged citizens to be cautious in receiving foreigners.
“Since Libya fell, the Sahel has been open. You can buy any weapon in those markets. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are also unstable.
Everybody is interested in Nigeria because it is rich and large. Our problem is that Nigerians open their doors too easily.
Boko Haram started like that, welcoming strangers who later became monsters. We must never allow foreigners to take an inch of our land,” Musa warned.
He further appealed to Nigerians not to shield criminals. “These terrorists thrive because some people still support them with funds, fuel, logistics or shelter. Locals even reroute money daily into their accounts. If we don’t give them space, they won’t thrive.
To defeat them, everybody must be on board,” he added.
On military capacity, Musa acknowledged that inadequate technology was hampering operations.
He noted that high costs of precision weaponsworsened by the Russia-Ukraine war were a challenge, but said the armed forces were making the best use of available resources.
“I give an example; the price of a medium-range precision weapon for each one is $100,000. At $100,000, how much is it in naira? How many can you buy? So, you have to be very careful as to where you use it.
Just two weeks ago, we had a good strike where we killed over 100 of them on 50 motorcycles.
The timing was right, the drone was there, and we took them out,” he said.
He added that Nigeria requires real-time satellite technology for precision strikes but lacks access due to prohibitive costs.
Musa welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the Defence Industrial Bill, which would allow local production of military equipment.
“Sometimes, even with your money you can’t get that equipment.
Now, with the Russia-Ukraine war ongoing, a lot of equipment are difficult to come by.
That’s why I’m happy that Mr President signed the Defence Industrial Bill. With it, we can invite original equipment manufacturers to produce locally.
When we produce, we can get much more value for money,” he said.
