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2027 polls behind surge in killings – CDS

Published

2 months ago

August 22, 2025

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has linked the recent surge in killings across the country to the build-up to the 2027 general election.

The country has in recent times witnessed renewed terror attacks in the North-East and attacks by the bandits in the North-West.

Benue and Plateau states continue to be epicentres of killings.

On Monday, at least 34 worshippers at a mosque in Unguwar Mantau community of Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State were killed.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening, Musa said the rising wave of insecurity compared to last year could not be divorced from political activities ahead of the polls.

According to him, some politicians are deliberately fuelling violence to discredit the government’s security record and campaign on the back of chaos.

“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. Some individuals don’t want peace because when there is peace, the government is seen to be doing well. When there is no peace, the government is seen to be failing.

“Last year, we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked? Politics is coming, the election is coming. You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited. But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern? What do you gain from it?” Musa asked.

The Defence Chief further disclosed that terrorism continues to thrive in Nigeria due to local and foreign funding.

He said the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency are tracking terror financiers, though legal hurdles have slowed down the process of naming them.

He noted the identification of international collaborations and foreign funding of terrorism, assuring that such links are being tracked.

“The process of naming terrorism financiers is on. Just last week, the AGF and others went to check. It has to do with legal issues and international connections. Some of them get funds from outside. The NFIU has been doing so much; arrests have been made, and prosecutions have started. Those behind the Owo bombing are already facing trial,” he said.

Musa lamented that the country’s legal system frustrates terrorism prosecution, calling for faster trials, stiffer laws and the creation of special courts for terrorism cases.

Musa added, “Also, it has to do with the legal system. Sometimes, legal intercepts, you take it to court, and it is knocked out for one reason or another. Again, we have to review our legal system because some of the punishments and prosecutions are slow and inadequate.

“If we have special courts, we will treat cases as quickly as they should. We also need to review the punishment for offences. But our laws need to be stringent, even for terrorism. Our legal system is frustrating. We need to unbundle it, make it faster and more stringent. Once people know they can get away with anything, impunity sets in, and we cannot prosecute.

“Sometimes you take evidence to court, and it is knocked out for one reason or another. Punishments are slow and inadequate. We need to unbundle our legal system, make it faster and more stringent. Once people know they can get away with anything, impunity sets in. For example, in the South-South, we arrest vessels, they pay peanuts, and the vessels return. That’s why we resorted to bombing them, though environmental concerns arose. But that has brought more peace than allowing the legal bottlenecks to continue,” he added.

The CDS also acknowledged the security risks posed by instability in the Sahel region, pointing to open markets for arms and ammunition in neighbouring countries and Nigeria’s porous 4,000-kilometre border.

He cautioned Nigerians against indiscriminate hospitality towards foreigners, stressing that many infiltrators pose as brothers and sisters but end up as threats.

“Since Libya fell, the Sahel has been open. You can buy any weapon in those markets. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are also unstable. Everybody is interested in Nigeria because it is rich and large. Our problem is that Nigerians open their doors too easily. Boko Haram started like that—welcoming strangers who later became monsters. We must never allow foreigners to take an inch of our land,” he warned.

Musa said the military was working with Sahelian counterparts under the Alliance of Sahel States to curb cross-border terrorism, but urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces by refusing to shield criminals.

“These terrorists thrive because some people still support them with funds, fuel, logistics or shelter. Locals even reroute money daily into their accounts. If we don’t give them space, they won’t thrive. To defeat them, everybody must be on board.

The problem started after Libya fell. And now Sudan is in turmoil, the Sahel is open. They have markets where you can go and buy any kind of weapon or ammunition. And everybody sails through, and the borders are just there. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are also having this issue in the Sahel.

“Everybody is interested in Nigeria because they feel Nigeria is rich and large. They can come in and do a lot of things in Nigeria. One issue we also have is Nigerians opening their doors. We have large hearts. But we have to think of security. Sometimes these guys come in and we say, these are our brothers, sisters coming in, but they don’t mean us good. We allow them to fester until they become monsters and start eating us, then we start complaining.

“We are still working together with the Alliance of Sahel States countries because we know we need them. We need them to be stable. If your neighbour is in trouble, the way it is now, you have to stand strong. We are working with the military there. We know it is important that we must secure ourselves,” the CDS said.

The CDS also lamented that terrorists in the country were taking advantage of the inadequacy of technological equipment to continue to perpetrate their heinous acts.

He disclosed that security had become expensive partially due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, but said the Nigerian Army was doing its best with available resources to ensure the protection of citizens.

He said, “I give an example; the price of a medium range precision weapon for each one is $100,000. At $100,000, how much is it in Naira? How many can you buy? So, you have to be very careful as to where you use it, to make sure that is making the positive impact. Just last two weeks, we had a good strike where we killed over 100 of them on 50 motorcycles, that is a good strike. Because the timing came in, and we were ready for it and the drone was there, and we took them out,” he said.

Musa also stated that the military needed real-time satellites for precision strikes, noting however, that the technology was very expensive, a fact he said was exploited by the bandits and terrorists.

He added, “You see, in terms of what we need, we need real-time satellites. I tell you an example when an operation is ongoing, and you can see, your commanders can direct you, this man is moving here, these ones are deployed here, good. But we don’t have that, and these things are expensive to get, because we don’t have them. And they capitalise on these incapacities.”

He added that some other countries were able to use the technologically-advanced equipment because they produced them by themselves, adding that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had approved the Defence Industrial Bill that would allow production in Nigeria

“Sometimes, even with your money you can’t get that equipment. Now, with the Russian-Ukraine war ongoing, a lot of equipment are difficult to come by. So that’s why I’m happy that Mr President last year approved, after signing the DICON bill, the Defence Industrial Bill, for us to now invite original equipment manufacturers, let’s produce. Because when we produce, then we can get much at money’s worth. If you don’t, it’s going to be extremely difficult and so we’re working on that,” the Defence chief said.

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Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation – Peter Obi

Published

2 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Labour Party’s presidential candidate during the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said that most Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.

Obi made these remarks in Onitsha, during a youth-led convention, which he attended as a guest speaker.

“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise,” Obi said in a statement released

He cautioned that Nigeria cannot attain greatness while celebrating corruption and rewarding dishonesty. He compared the current vices to those that which is currently affecting the political class.

He said while money is necessary, it represents only a small part of true wealth, which, he said, rests on integrity, character, and purpose.

“Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor revealed that he had cut short his travels because he felt the urge to encourage many of the youths upon his arrival from the United Kingdom.

Obi faults leadership following IMF’s omission of Nigeria from Africa’s top growth list

“I went straight to Onitsha and was glad to be part of the event because it addressed a vice that has eroded our values, the greed for material possessions,” Obi said.

He condemned violence that comes in the form of religious attacks, saying that, whether Christians or Muslims, or traditional worshippers, fairness and merit are what Nigerians need.

“Finally, I reminded everyone that no religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another. Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources; what we lack is the will to do what is right. Once we embrace justice, fairness, and merit, our nation’s greatness will naturally unfold” he concluded.

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National Assembly Committee Approves 1 New State For Each Geo-political Zone

Published

2 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of six additional states.

This was one of the key resolutions reached at the end of the two-day retreat, co-chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt—Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in Lagos at the weekend.

The joint committee considered a total of 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests during the retreat.

During the consideration of the 55 requests for state creation on Saturday, the joint committee unanimously resolved that six additional states be created in the country.

If it passes, it would increase the number of states in the country from 36 to 42.

The resolution reads as follows: creation of one additional state in each of the six geopolitical zones: North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-West, South-South, and South-East.

With the approval, South-South will now have seven states, South-West will have seven, South-East will have six, North-West will have eight, North-East will have seven, and North-Central will have seven.

The resolution will formed part of the report of the joint committee that is expected to be presented to both chambers of the National Assembly in the first week of November.

The lawmakers also resolved to create a subcommittee to identify areas from which the six additional states will be carved.

The Chief Whip of the State, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, chairs the Senate Committee to identify the areas.

A member of the subcommittee from North assured that the committee will review all 55 requests submitted to the National Assembly to develop the six new state proposals.

“We will meticulously review the 55 requests for state creation to come up with the areas where the six new states will be carved from. We will be fair and just to all the promoters of state creation,” he said.

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Retirement Benefits: Service Chiefs To Go Home With Bulletproof SUVs, Prado Jeeps, $60,000 For Medicals (PHOTOS)

Published

3 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The former Chief of Defence Staff and the two other service chiefs, who were retired from Service by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday, will each go home with one bulletproof SUV and one Prado Jeep, or an equivalent vehicle as a backup.

These vehicles are to be maintained by the respective Services and replaced every four years.

According to the new Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — a copy of which was obtained by Sunday LEADERSHIP — the retired officers will also receive $20,000 per year for medical expenses.

The document, marked ‘Restricted’, also outlines the benefits due to retired generals and other senior officers of the Armed Forces upon leaving service.

President Bola Tinubu yesterday removed the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.

The statement announcing their removal, signed by Sunday Dare, the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, said the action was taken to further the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

Those sacked alongside General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

Each of the service chiefs is also entitled to five domestic workers, one security officer, nine standard guards, three service drivers, firearms, and other benefits.

Part of the document reads:

“The following benefits shall be the entitlements of the CDS and Service Chiefs: one bulletproof SUV or equivalent vehicle, to be maintained by the Service and replaced every four years; one Prado Jeep or equivalent backup vehicle; retention of all military uniforms and accoutrements to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (2 x Service cooks, 2 x stewards, and 1 x civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/Security Officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalent) or one personal assistant (WO or equivalent); standard guard (9 soldiers); three Service drivers; one Service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/formations as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (to be retrieved by the relevant Service upon the officer’s demise); and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”

According to the document, Lieutenant-Generals and equivalents are entitled to the following: one Toyota Hilux vehicle and one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent Jeep of the same value; two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, one Service orderly, two Service drivers, and free medical care in Nigeria and abroad up to the value of $20,000 per year.

Furthermore, retiring Major-Generals, Brigadier-Generals, or their equivalents will be entitled to: one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent vehicle, one cook, one steward, two residential guards, one Service orderly, one Service driver, and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad up to $15,000 per annum.

Similarly, officers of one-star rank are to enjoy the following: one Toyota Camry or equivalent vehicle, one Service driver, two residential guards, one Service orderly, and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad up to $10,000 per annum.

Federal Government to Spend More on Other Retiring Generals

Yesterday’s retirement of the service chiefs is expected to trigger voluntary and forced retirements within the military hierarchy, as some senior generals who are contemporaries of the outgoing service chiefs may have to proceed on retirement in line with military tradition.

The new service chiefs, who are members of Course 40 and 41 of the Nigerian Defence Academy, replace their predecessors from Course 39, including the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.

By this appointment, generals from Courses 39, 40, and some from Course 41 across the Services will have to retire, as they are not expected to salute their juniors who have now been elevated above them.

LEADERSHIP Weekend earlier reported that members of Course 39 remain in active service, occupying strategic positions such as Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Service Headquarters and Commanders of tri-Service institutions.

Military sources, who initially said more than 50 such generals would have to voluntarily exit the Service to allow the new Service Chiefs to exercise effective control, now say the number could exceed that, since the new Chief of Army Staff is from Course 41.

“We will have more than 60 generals retiring. The new Army Chief is from Course 41. Those in service from Course 39 and even some from 41 will want to retire,” the source said.

With the retirement packages outlined above, the Federal Government will have to provide substantial funds to settle the retirees.

Senate May Confirm Nominations This Week

The Senate joint committee on Defence, Army and Navy is expected to commence the screening exercise of the newly-appointed service chiefs.

It is believed that the president would have written to the Senate at the weekend to intimate its leadership about the fresh appointments.

Their screening is expected to be done behind closed doors.

Expectedly, the nominees are expected to promise to tackle insecurity in the country.

Service Chiefs’ Change Strategic for Tinubu – Obono-Obla

Meanwhile, a former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has described President Tinubu’s reshuffle of service chiefs as a strategic realignment aimed at entrenching deeper reforms as he moves towards completing his first four-year term.

The former special aassistant to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution added that the change demonstrates a canny mastery of the push and pull of the country’s centripetal and centrifugal forces.

Obono-Obla said on Sunday that: “It reflects how he (Tinubu) has been able to navigate and manoeuvre through the complexities of governance. After settling into office, he engaged in midterm rumination — pondering and reflecting on the imperative of assembling a new team within the Armed Forces and security apparatuses.”

Obono-Obla explained that the move signals a strategic realignment and that it is time to assess performance in the military and security sectors.

“The shake-up and introduction of a new team — reinvigorated and with a fresh lease of life — aims to ensure that the security challenges which have grappled and confronted the country are dealt with decisively, using new gusto, fresh strategies, and dynamic trajectories.

“Mr President has also subtly used this opportunity to manoeuvre through the nuances and subtleties of the country’s fault lines, which have long dogged its progress.

In doing so, he has sought to balance geopolitical sensibilities and touch all potential flashpoints where cries of political marginalisation often emerge,” he said.