Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned that the recent surge in insecurity across Nigeria is politically motivated, linked directly to preparations for the 2027 presidential elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, General Musa disclosed that both local and foreign sponsors are actively financing terrorism in an attempt to destabilise the country. He hinted that politicians involved in these acts may be named in the near future.
“Some of the funding is coming from outside the country. These are not just random attacks they’re strategic moves with political undertones,” Musa said.
He explained that intermediaries, often used by terror financiers, supply motorcycles and other logistics to militants, who then remit proceeds from operations into designated accounts. Musa stressed the need to track these financial flows to disrupt the networks.
“They circulate money in ways that make tracking difficult. Intelligence agencies are working hard, but we need more tools to trace these funds,” he added.
Politicians Under Investigation
The CDS revealed that security agencies including the DSS, NIA, and NFIU are investigating politicians suspected of financing violence to discredit the current administration and sway public sentiment.
“Criminals terrorists, bandits are aligning with some political interests. They aim to create chaos to project the government as failing,” he noted.
Musa questioned the logic behind such actions:
“How do you hope to govern a people you are helping destroy? What benefit comes from creating suffering for your own citizens?”
Use of Gold in Terror Financing
General Musa raised alarms about the increasing use of gold as a medium for funding terrorism, complicating efforts to track money trails due to international networks and informal markets.
Southeast Security and Simon Ekpa
Commenting on the Southeast, Musa said the arrest of pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland has led to improved stability in the region. Ekpa, who faces terrorism charges, remains under prosecution by Finnish authorities.
“Since Ekpa’s arrest, we’ve seen marked improvement in the Southeast. We’re also closing in on his foot soldiers across the region,” he stated.
Call for Self-Defence Training and NYSC Reform
In a related message, the CDS urged Nigerians to develop basic combat and self-defence skills as part of national security preparedness.
“Combat skills should be seen like learning to drive or swim essential survival tools,” he said.
He also advocated for the NYSC to return to its original purpose by incorporating unarmed combat, driving, swimming, and security awareness into its training programs.
Need for Special Terrorism Courts
Musa praised the efforts of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in exposing terror financing channels but decried the slow pace of prosecution due to systemic delays in the judiciary.
“The legal process is too slow. We need special courts to handle terrorism cases swiftly, and we must reassess the punishment for such crimes,” he urged.
He concluded by emphasizing that national security is a collective responsibility, urging all citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“Security is everyone’s duty. We must all be ready to defend ourselves and our communities,” Musa stressed.
