General Musa

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent surge in killings across Nigeria to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nigeria has witnessed renewed terror attacks in the North-East, worsening banditry in the North-West, and persistent violence in Benue and Plateau States. On Monday, at least 34 worshippers were killed in a mosque attack in Unguwar Mantau, Katsina State.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musa said the spike in insecurity compared to last year could not be separated from political maneuvering. He accused some politicians of sponsoring violence to undermine government security efforts.

“Criminals—both terrorists and bandits—collaborate for money and disruption. But there is also a political angle. Some people don’t want peace because peace means the government is performing well. Suddenly, killings have surged as elections approach. Some actors are controlling these criminals to create chaos. But how do you govern people you deliberately destroy?” he queried.

Musa further disclosed that terrorism in Nigeria continues to thrive due to both local collaborators and foreign financiers. He confirmed that the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the DSS, and the NIA are already tracking sponsors, though legal and international hurdles have slowed prosecutions.

The Defence Chief lamented that Nigeria’s weak legal system frustrates terrorism trials. He called for special courts, stricter laws, and faster prosecutions to curb impunity.

On regional threats, Musa warned that instability in the Sahel has worsened Nigeria’s security challenges, with open arms markets in Libya, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso feeding insurgencies. He cautioned Nigerians against indiscriminate hospitality to strangers, stressing that many infiltrators posing as “brothers” end up as threats.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s technological gaps in modern warfare, saying terrorists exploit the lack of real-time satellite capabilities and the high cost of advanced weapons. Musa, however, expressed optimism that the newly signed Defence Industrial Bill by President Bola Tinubu would enable Nigeria to begin local production of defence equipment.

Despite the challenges, Musa assured that the Armed Forces are intensifying operations and recording significant breakthroughs, including a recent drone strike that killed over 100 terrorists. He urged Nigerians to support the military by refusing to shield criminals or provide them with logistics.