Nigerian senators have raised concerns that the recent surge in Boko Haram activities and banditry may be politically motivated, with possible links to the upcoming 2027 general elections. During a Senate session, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau moved a motion highlighting the growing insecurity in his Taraba North constituency. Senators Sunday Karimi and Danjuma Goje echoed his concerns, warning that the violence resembles patterns observed before the 2015 elections, when some individuals allegedly incited unrest in anticipation of electoral defeat.
Senator Karimi specifically referenced recent kidnappings in his Kogi West district and suggested that some elements within the military may be collaborating with insurgents. He called on President Bola Tinubu and the newly established national security committee to thoroughly investigate potential political motivations behind these attacks. He warned that certain groups might be deliberately orchestrating violence to destabilize the country and regain lost political influence.
Senator Goje supported these claims, pointing to widespread violence across states like Bauchi and Taraba. He questioned the timing of the upsurge in attacks and emphasized the need for immediate and serious investigation into whether the violence is part of a broader political strategy. Both senators expressed frustration over Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity and the apparent inability of security agencies to contain the threat effectively.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, referencing recent massacres where over 70 people were killed. He urged security agencies to intensify their efforts by deploying more personnel and implementing proactive surveillance strategies. The Senate also called on NEMA and NEDC to provide urgent relief to affected communities and encouraged state and local governments to take stronger action. A minute of silence was observed in honor of the victims.
