Irabor Alleges Politicians Bankrolling Terrorism in Nigeria

Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, has publicly leveled a serious accusation, stating that influential Nigerian politicians are providing clandestine financial backing for terrorism operating within the country. This shocking revelation comes amid escalating concerns over national security and persistent violence affecting various states.

Dependable NG reports that Irabor made this significant allegation during a compelling interview on the Channels Television program Politics Today on Monday. The former military chief’s comments were given in direct response to questions concerning the relentless and widespread wave of insecurity across the nation, which has seen bandits relentlessly engaged in the kidnapping of innocent citizens, including vulnerable women and children, by heavily armed bandits. This criminal enterprise has significantly destabilized regions, disrupting agriculture and commerce.

Irabor highlighted that the violence appears to have specific targets, adding a layer of communal and religious tension to the conflict. “Some Christians are being targeted in this country, and some politicians are funding terrorism in this country,” Irabor stated during the televised interview, underscoring the severity and complexity of the threat. This strongly suggests that the financial roots of the insurgency are deeply embedded within the political class, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace and security.

Furthermore, the former Chief of Defence Staff offered insight into the government’s previous efforts to tackle the financial lifelines of these terror groups. He confirmed that investigations and legal proceedings were initiated against those believed to be sponsoring the bloodshed. He noted that robust actions were taken while he held the nation’s top military position: “There are a lot of individuals who are being called to question, and while I was the Chief of Defence Staff, some trials were made for the financiers.” This historical context emphasizes that the issue of politically-backed terrorism funding is not new, but an ongoing challenge requiring immediate and decisive judicial intervention. The statement serves as a potent call to current authorities to renew efforts to prosecute these powerful financial sponsors to finally end the cycle of violence.