Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said that the recent increase in killings across the country cannot be unconnected to the lead-up to the 2027 general election.

Nigeria is witnessing a rise in terrorist activities in the North-East, frequent banditry attacks in the North-West, while states like Benue and Plateau have remained hotspots for violence and killings.

DAILY POST reported that on Monday, at least 34 individuals attending prayers at a mosque in the Unguwar Mantau community of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, lost their lives.

In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday evening, Musa said that this increasing insecurity can be closely linked to political activities.

He said, “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?

“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.”

Insecurity in Nigeria: CDS Musa links recent terrorists attacks, killings to 2027 elections