Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has alleged that some Nigerian politicians are complicit in funding terrorism.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Irabor confirmed that certain political actors exploit insecurity for personal or political gain. Asked directly if politicians sponsor terror groups, he replied: “Some politicians.”
He explained that some politicians deliberately instigate crises to project poor governance or create leverage for themselves. “Others perhaps want to give an impression, to score the point that there is poor governance. They could also instigate a certain crisis in one way or the other,” he said.
Irabor also addressed criticism over the government’s refusal to publish names of alleged terror financiers. He noted that several individuals have been questioned but insisted the information remains classified. “It’s not for public consumption. What we should do at this point is to give support and trust those who are charged to do what’s right,” he added.
The retired general urged Nigerians to recognise that “not everybody in government is a liar, is unserious.” He acknowledged significant gaps in manpower and equipment within the security forces, stressing the need for urgent reforms.
On the surge in attacks, Irabor said the trend is not new but appears worse because criminal groups now have access to more advanced tools and weapons. “Over a long period, we thought that we were on the winning streak… then suddenly we now found that it is like we have reversed all the gains that we have made, and it’s so worrisome,” he lamented.
Irabor emphasised that Nigeria must treat security as a national issue rather than a regional one. He warned that Boko Haram and ISWAP ideologies still permeate communities and cautioned against recruiting repentant insurgents into the military.
Surge in Attacks
Nigeria has recently witnessed a wave of insecurity marked by mass abductions and deadly assaults across the northern and central regions.
- In Niger State, more than 300 students and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school.
- In Kebbi State, 25 schoolgirls were abducted.
- Armed groups stormed religious sites, seizing worshippers from a church in Kwara State, a pastor and congregants in Kogi State, and several women from a bridal party in Sokoto State.Irabor concluded that the worsening violence reflects governance failures and the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
