He described the Benue killings as “ a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, land grabbing, reprisal killings, and political manipulation.”
ABUJA — Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has confirmed that security forces have arrested several suspects in connection with the killing of about 200 residents in Yelewata, Benue State.
Speaking on Arise TV, General Musa said, “The police have arrested a number of people. And actions have been taken… Investigations are ongoing with the DSS and the police.” He noted that the military is working to restore normalcy in affected areas.
Musa dismissed claims that the killings were a simple farmer-herder conflict, describing the violence as a “complex mix of terrorism, banditry, land grabbing, reprisal killings, and political manipulation.”
He warned that insurgents, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, are now using drones and undergoing foreign training. “We have re-strategised our operations… They’re on the run,” he said.
On Nigeria’s porous borders, the CDS called for fencing: “What is money if you are dead? It’s of no use.” He stressed that secure borders are vital to halting terrorist infiltration.