Defence Minister Accuses Civilians Of Working As Terrorist Informants

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, has spoken on the recent rise in attacks across parts of the country, attributing it to extremist ideology, informant networks, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

He said some attackers are motivated by ideology that encourages them to embrace death during attacks.

“Ideologically, they feel if they die, they’re going to heaven. They kill someone, they are going to get blessed… we lost very wonderful officers because these were deliberate attacks,” he said.

Gen. Musa also alleged that some civilians act as informants, providing intelligence on troop strength and deployment. “These same individuals… are the ones telling them that this unit, you have only 20 soldiers… they come over 200,” he said.

He explained that many deaths occur due to IEDs rather than direct combat, including a commanding officer. “And why we take a lot of casualties again is because of IEDs… it wasn’t during an attack, it was during an IED,” he said. He linked IED production to misuse of urea fertiliser, noting restrictions in the North-East.

He also said attacks often rise during political periods. “Anytime it’s a political year, it goes up… to make the government look weak,” he added. He concluded that some perpetrators are within and outside the country who do not wish Nigeria well.