- Reacting to these heinous and diabolical activities of rampaging non-state actors, Musa said the killings and attacks can be attributed to political activities.
The recent wave of violent attacks and mindless killings across the country is not unconnected to political activities shaping the 2027 general election, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has disclosed.
There has been a disturbing surge in terrorist and bandit activities in Nigeria in recent weeks, especially in the North East, North West and Middle Belt regions.
On Monday, a deadly attack on a mosque in the Unguwar Mantau community of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, during dawn prayer claimed the lives of over 30 worshippers.
At least four people were killed, including a mother and her son, while several other people were injured when armed herders attacked Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Wednesday.
Last Wednesday, over fifteen people were killed in villages across the Mangu local government area of Plateau State.
Reacting to these heinous and diabolical activities of rampaging non-state actors, Musa said the killings and attacks can be attributed to political activities.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday evening, he stated that some persons are sponsoring the unconscionable and abhorrent activities of bandits and terrorists to discredit the government for the actualisation of their political objectives.
He said, “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.
“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?”
He also disclosed that the army is working concerned authority to disclose the identity of terrorism sponsors.
“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.”