Defence Chief Gen. Christopher Musa has blamed rising insecurity on political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, foreign terror funding, and weak legal frameworks that frustrate counter-terrorism efforts.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has linked the recent surge in killings across Nigeria to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa said insecurity had worsened compared to last year, with politicians allegedly exploiting violence to undermine the government.
“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… You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited,” he said.
Nigeria has witnessed renewed terror attacks in the North-East and banditry in the North-West, with Benue and Plateau also hit by violence. On Monday, 34 worshippers were killed in a mosque attack in Katsina State.
Musa added that terrorism is being sustained by local and foreign funding, while prosecutions are slowed by Nigeria’s weak legal framework. “Sometimes you take evidence to court, and it is knocked out for one reason or another. Punishments are slow and inadequate,” he lamented, urging the creation of special courts for terrorism.
The CDS also highlighted security risks from instability in the Sahel, porous borders, and open markets for weapons. He cautioned Nigerians against indiscriminate hospitality towards foreigners.
On military capacity, Musa said limited access to advanced technology hampers operations but assured that the Defence Industrial Bill would enhance local arms production.