Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has accused foreign nations of supplying Boko Haram with weapons and financial aid. In an interview with Al Jazeera about the ongoing security issues in Nigeria, he expressed concern over the group’s sustained activities over the last 16 years, despite the military’s attempts to eliminate them. He specifically mentioned that many captured Boko Haram fighters were found with money linked to influential foreign countries, indicating possible international support for the group. General Musa urged the United Nations to investigate how Boko Haram militants are funded and trained, emphasizing the group’s ongoing operations despite the military’s claims of reducing their strength. He also pointed out that the militants have adopted new tactics, including the use of drones for surveillance and attacking security personnel. In explaining why Boko Haram continues to revive and launch assaults, Musa highlighted the financial backing from foreign sources. He additionally called on the United Nations to assist in identifying those who are financing and equipping the insurgents. “More than 120,000 Boko Haram members have given themselves up, and many have been discovered with funds from influential foreign nations.” Where is this money coming from? Who is providing their training? Who is providing them with arms? Musa stated that it is crucial for the international community to look into the global financial networks that support Boko Haram’s ongoing insurgency. He noted that, although he is unsure which countries may be undermining Nigeria’s security, Nigeria is not the only nation in the Sahel and West Africa experiencing these difficulties.
