Nigerian Military Denies Allegation Of Internal Sabotage In Benue Massacre.
The Nigerian military, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, has firmly denied allegations of internal sabotage in the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives on 13-14 June 2025.
Speaking during a visit to the affected community on 17 June, Musa responded to claims, including those by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in May 2025, that some military personnel were leaking information to bandits. “Such accusations are unfounded and demoralise our troops,” Musa stated, asserting that the military was committed to rooting out perpetrators and restoring peace. He promised that Yelewata would be the “last attack” of its kind, with measures already in place to enhance security.
The allegations of sabotage stem from persistent failures to prevent attacks in Benue, despite intelligence reports suggesting coordinated assaults by armed groups. Critics, including security analyst Daniel Echechofu, have pointed to the lack of arrests and the recurring nature of the violence as evidence of possible complicity within security forces.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) echoed these concerns, calling for a state of emergency in Benue’s worst-hit areas and urging decisive action to protect vulnerable communities. The military’s denial comes amid broader scrutiny of Nigeria’s security architecture, with reports of arms sales to bandits and inadequate responses fueling public distrust.
Musa outlined ongoing efforts to bolster security, including increased troop deployments and collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force. He assured residents that the military was working with the DSS and NIA to improve intelligence-gathering, as directed by President Tinubu during his 18 June visit to Benue. However, Amnesty International’s findings of over 6,896 deaths in Benue since May 2023 highlight a systemic failure to protect civilians. The military’s claim of no sabotage is challenged by accounts of overwhelmed police stations and insufficient resources, raising questions about operational effectiveness.
Public reaction to the military’s stance is mixed, with some Benue residents expressing hope in the promised crackdown, while others demand accountability for past lapses. The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, described the violence as a “genocidal invasion,” urging a re-evaluation of security strategies.
As the military denies internal sabotage, the pressure is on to deliver tangible results, particularly with Tinubu’s directive to arrest perpetrators. The coming weeks will test the military’s ability to restore confidence and prevent further atrocities in Benue
