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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said the recent rise in terrorist attacks and killings across Nigeria may be politically motivated, as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
In an interview on national television on Thursday evening, General Musa linked the spike in insecurity to political actors who may be intentionally fuelling unrest to undermine the government.
“Criminals, both bandits and terrorists, work together. They have a common goal to make money and destabilise communities,” he said.
“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.”
Nigeria is currently grappling with a surge in violence across various regions. Terrorist attacks have intensified in the North-East, while the North-West continues to face frequent banditry. Middle Belt states such as Benue and Plateau remain persistent hotspots for communal violence and killings.
Earlier this week, at least 34 worshippers were killed during prayers at a mosque in the Unguwar Mantau community of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State.
General Musa questioned the timing and scale of the violence.
“Last year, we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked? Politics is coming, the election is coming,” he said.
“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?”
He also provided updates on the government’s efforts to dismantle the financial networks behind terrorism.
“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,” he said.
General Musa praised the efforts of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), noting that significant progress has been made.
“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 added.