Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has alleged that the recent increase in terrorist attacks in the northeast is politically driven, orchestrated by elements aiming to undermine the government and portray it as ineffective ahead of elections.
In an interview on Arise TV, the retired general stated that such attacks typically intensify during election periods as individuals, both within and outside Nigeria seek to exploit insecurity for political gain.
“Any time it’s a political year, it goes up. And why is that so? Individuals want to take advantage to make the government look weak or to show that they are still capable and that there’s no need to keep the government because of that,” Musa said.
“You don’t have to kill the people you want to govern. Why do you have to go and make sure that things like this increase just because you think you want to make some cheap goals?”
Musa acknowledged that Nigeria continues to suffer casualties in the fight against insurgency but insisted the country is making progress.
He urged citizens to support the armed forces and government efforts, warning that terrorist groups amplify isolated incidents to create widespread fear.
“We’ve had a number of casualties. It is a war that is ongoing... We’re fighting a determined enemy who is getting support from outside and who has nothing to lose,” he added.
The minister described the insurgents as ideologically driven fighters who believe dying in jihad guarantees heaven, making them particularly dangerous.
Defence of Jilli AirstrikeMusa also addressed the controversial Nigerian Air Force airstrike on Jilli market in Borno State, where more than 100 people were reportedly killed.
He maintained that the area had long been identified as a terrorist logistics hub and supply point, used for acquiring fertiliser for IEDs, food, and fuel.
“No one hit in that area was innocent. None of them,” Musa declared. “And I can attest to you that if any of them is innocent, they would have said it.”
He explained that civilians were engaging in highly profitable trade with terrorists for example, selling a bag of rice for as much as ₦150,000 and had been repeatedly warned to stay away.“
People buy fuel, take a full tank, go there, empty it and sell it to them. And they make so much money.
"So, the attraction is for them to make brisk business. And that’s what keeps them going. That’s what we’ve warned,” the minister said.
Musa described attempts to portray the victims as innocent civilians as “really disturbing” and part of a narrative shift. He reiterated that anyone found aiding or trading with terrorists will be treated as one.
The comments come amid ongoing security challenges in the northeast, where groups like ISWAP remain active despite military operations.
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