Senators Warn of Rising Banditry, Boko Haram Activity Ahead of 2027 Polls…As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, growing insecurity across the country has sparked alarm among federal lawmakers.
Several senators have voiced concerns that the recent surge in banditry and the reemergence of Boko Haram activities may not be coincidental, but rather politically motivated, potentially aimed at disrupting the democratic process.
The Senate’s apprehension comes amid heightened attacks in regions previously recovering from conflict and an overall sense of unease that the security gains of recent years are rapidly eroding.
Lawmakers fear that certain political interests may be fueling violence to manipulate electoral outcomes or suppress voter participation in key areas.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, one of the regions most affected by Boko Haram’s terror, said the Senate must not overlook the timing of the renewed aggression.
According to him, intelligence reports suggest that some of these violent groups are being financed and trained by foreign actors, adding a complex layer to Nigeria’s already fragile security situation.
Ndume called for the urgent establishment of an inter-ministerial committee that would investigate the possible links between international organizations and terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
He noted that while Nigeria has struggled with internal security issues for over a decade, the recurrence of such activities in the buildup to national elections demands deeper scrutiny.
Adding to the chorus of concern, Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central pointed to the increasing infiltration of terrorists and bandits into relatively peaceful states such as Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi.
He emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance, particularly in border communities, where security presence remains weak.
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Ningi warned that without immediate and coordinated action, these areas could become new flashpoints of violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Both senators stressed that the rise in insecurity was not just a military concern but a political one, given its potential to influence voter turnout and distort democratic representation.
According to them, allowing insecurity to fester could lead to widespread disenfranchisement, particularly in the North-East and North-Central regions, where communities are already vulnerable.
Their fears were further stoked by recent international allegations that have made headlines.
U.S. Congressman Scott Perry claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has in some cases provided funding to terrorist groups around the world, including Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Though unverified, the claim has triggered serious concern within the Nigerian Senate, prompting lawmakers to summon the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other top intelligence officials for a closed-door briefing on the matter.
While the U.S. government has strongly denied any such link between USAID and terrorist organizations, the Senate insists the allegations warrant thorough investigation.
Lawmakers argue that even the perception of external influence in Nigeria’s security affairs can undermine national sovereignty and damage trust in government institutions.
The Senate leadership has resolved to take a more proactive role in addressing security threats in the lead-up to the elections.
Calls have been made for tighter coordination among security agencies, better intelligence sharing, and community-based approaches to combating insurgency and banditry.
There is also growing demand for the federal government to ensure that adequate resources are allocated for the protection of vulnerable communities.
As Nigeria prepares for what is expected to be a highly contested election in 2027, the warnings from the Senate serve as a critical reminder of the intersection between politics and security.
Lawmakers argue that without deliberate efforts to secure lives and stabilize affected regions, the legitimacy of the electoral process could be compromised.
The Senate’s concern underscores a broader national anxiety: that if urgent measures are not taken, insecurity could be weaponized for political gain, threatening both the unity and democratic future of the country.
