The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned that the recent spike in killings across the country may be tied to political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa said the surge in insecurity compared to last year suggests a deliberate attempt by some political actors to destabilize the country for electoral advantage.
“Nigeria recorded its lowest number of violent deaths last year. Suddenly, this year, everything has spiked. Politics is coming, elections are coming. You cannot rule out the fact that some people are sponsoring these criminals to ensure there is no peace and governance is discredited,” he said.
The Defence Chief condemned the logic behind such actions, asking: “How do you kill the people you want to govern? What do you gain from it?”
Renewed Violence Across States
Nigeria has witnessed a resurgence of violent attacks in recent months, with terror activities in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and persistent communal clashes in states like Benue and Plateau.
On Monday, at least 34 worshippers were killed when gunmen stormed a mosque in Unguwar Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Terrorism Financing and Legal Bottlenecks
General Musa also revealed that terrorism in Nigeria continues to thrive due to both local and foreign funding. He said the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are actively tracking financiers of terrorism.
“The process of naming terrorism financiers is ongoing. There are legal and international issues involved. Some of these people receive funds from abroad. The NFIU has made significant progress—arrests have been made and prosecutions have started. Those behind the Owo bombing are already facing trial,” he stated.
Call for Stronger Laws and Special Courts
Musa lamented that Nigeria’s legal system is slowing down the fight against terrorism. He called for the creation of special courts to fast-track terrorism-related cases, stiffer punishments, and a review of existing laws.
“Our legal system is frustrating. Sometimes, legal intercepts are thrown out in court on technical grounds. Punishments for terrorism are inadequate, and prosecutions take too long. We need special courts and more stringent laws. If people believe they can get away with anything, impunity thrives,” he warned.
The CDS assured Nigerians that security forces remain committed to restoring peace despite the challenges, stressing that political manipulation of insecurity is unacceptable and dangerous to national stability.
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