Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has raised concerns about the sustained funding and international support enabling Boko Haram and other terror groups to destabilise the country for over 15 years.
General Musa raised the concerns in a recent interview with Al Jazeera, monitored by our correspondent.
The CDS called on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the sources of funding and resources used by the insurgents, noting that many surrendered fighters were in possession of a significant amount of foreign currencies.
“We have talked to international communities; let’s find out the funding. As we speak, over 120,000 Boko Haram members have surrendered, and most of them came with hard currency. How did they get it? How are they funded? How did they get the training? How did they get the equipment?” General Musa questioned.
He emphasised that only the UN has the capacity and jurisdiction to trace and track the international financial flows supporting Boko Haram’s operations. “The UN needs to come in because we need to trace the funding,” he stated. “It is international flow, and we (Nigeria) don’t have control over that.”
The Defence Chief also hinted at a possible international conspiracy fueling the insurgency in Nigeria. “Maybe an international conspiracy—who knows? How are they able to sustain themselves for 15 years? That is one question I think everybody should ask,” the CDS added.
Recall that General Musa, during his visit to the frontline units under Operation Safe Haven in Kaduna and Plateau atates, said the fight against insecurity would be better in 2025, noting that 2024 was challenging. He also said he wanted to see a renewed and greater vigour in the fight against insurgency in the new year 2025.