Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has pointed to the upcoming 2027 general election as a key factor behind the recent surge in violence across the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s _Politics Today_ on Thursday, Musa highlighted a troubling rise in insecurity, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and parts of Benue and Plateau states, where terrorist and bandit attacks have intensified.
Musa suggested that the spike in violence is not coincidental but tied to political motives.
“We’re seeing a clear connection between the rising insecurity and the political activities leading up to the 2027 elections,” he stated. He noted that last year saw a record low in fatalities, but this year’s sudden increase raises suspicions.
“Criminals, whether bandits or terrorists, collaborate with a shared aim of profiting and destabilizing communities.
“Some individuals benefit from this chaos, as it portrays the government as ineffective,” Musa explained.
He further questioned the motives of those orchestrating the violence, asking, “Why would you kill the very people you aim to govern? What’s the gain in that?” The remarks come in the wake of a devastating attack on Monday in Unguwar Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, where at least 34 people were killed during prayers at a mosque.
Musa also shed light on efforts to curb the violence, noting that the identification of terrorism financiers is ongoing.
“The process is complex, involving legal and international dimensions. The Attorney General and others are actively investigating, and the NFIU has made significant strides with arrests and prosecutions,” he said, citing progress in cases like the Owo church bombing.
As Nigeria grapples with escalating violence, Musa’s comments underscore the intricate link between security challenges and political dynamics ahead of the 2027 polls.