CDS blames 2027 polls for rising killings, warns of foreign terror funding

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent surge in killings across the country to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing some politicians of exploiting insecurity to discredit the government.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Musa said the sharp rise in terror and bandit attacks compared to last year is linked to deliberate efforts by certain actors to fuel chaos.

“Last year, we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked? Politics is coming, elections are coming. Some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace and government is discredited,” Musa said.

The CDS questioned the logic behind such tactics: “But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern? What do you gain from it?”

Foreign cash, legal bottlenecks aid terrorists

Musa also revealed that terrorists are being sustained by a steady flow of local and international funding. He said the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, DSS, and NIA are already tracking financiers, but legal hurdles have slowed down naming and prosecution.

He lamented that Nigeria’s weak legal framework hampers the fight against terrorism, calling for special courts, faster trials, and stiffer punishments.
“Our legal system is frustrating. Sometimes, evidence is thrown out, punishments are slow and inadequate. Once people know they can get away with anything, impunity sets in,” he noted.

Sahel instability a major threat

Musa further warned that Nigeria is increasingly vulnerable due to conflicts across the Sahel, where open arms markets thrive. He said porous borders and Nigeria’s hospitable culture make infiltration easy.
“Since Libya fell, the Sahel has been open. You can buy any weapon in those markets. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are also unstable. Our problem is Nigerians open their doors too easily. Boko Haram started like that—welcoming strangers who later became monsters,” he cautioned.

The CDS stressed the need for closer cooperation with neighbouring states under the Alliance of Sahel States, while urging citizens to stop shielding or supporting terrorists with funds, fuel, and shelter.

High cost of war

On military operations, Musa highlighted how expensive modern security technology has become, partly due to the Russia-Ukraine war. He disclosed that a medium-range precision weapon costs about $100,000 each, making resource allocation critical.

He cited a recent drone strike that neutralised over 100 terrorists as evidence of effective resource use but noted that the military still lacks real-time satellite capabilities.
“What we need are real-time satellites. They would allow commanders to direct operations live. But they’re very expensive, and we don’t have them yet,” he said.

Musa expressed optimism about the Defence Industrial Bill signed by President Bola Tinubu, saying it would pave the way for local production of advanced equipment and reduce reliance on costly imports.