The Nigerian authorities has accused some communities of hosting and shielding of criminals that attack them
This was alleged by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Thursday saying that some individuals within Benue State provided accommodation, food, and even women to armed criminals who carried out the recent deadly attack on Yelwata community that left dozens dead.
The CDS was speaking at an expanded media interaction at Defence Headquarters in Abuja saying local informants also helped the attackers identify the location of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Yelwata, resulting in the high casualty figure recorded in the massacre.
He also disclosed that troops had received intelligence about potential attacks in various communities across the state and were mobilized accordingly. However, upon arrival at the initially mentioned locations, it turned out the information was misleading, as the real attack had already been executed in Yelwata using a hit-and-run approach.
“These criminals were harboured by people in the community. They were given food. They were even given women. They were guided on where the IDP camp was located. Yet, security forces received no information,” the CDS lamented.
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has directed the full activation of all national security forces — Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence agencies — to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“This is why we consistently urge communities to be vigilant and report suspicious activities. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he stated.
General Musa used the occasion to urge the Federal Government to urgently address the issue of Nigeria’s porous borders, which he described as a growing threat amid rising instability in the Sahel region. He cited the flow of arms and fighters from crisis-hit countries like Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic, warning that these elements are exploiting Nigeria’s vast and unmonitored frontiers.
He proposed learning from countries like Pakistan, which successfully built a fortified double-layer border wall to separate itself from Afghanistan.
The CDS offered heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by the attacks, especially the tragic killings in Yelwata and other violence-stricken areas across the country.
“These senseless killings weigh heavily on our hearts. We remain fully committed to ensuring justice and restoring peace to every part of Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges require a “Whole-of-Society” approach, involving collaboration between the military, civilian institutions, and the public.
