In a chilling admission that has sent shockwaves across the country, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has alleged that saboteurs within the Nigerian military may have played a role in the recent massacre of over 200 civilians in Yelwata, Benue State.

 

Speaking during a security assessment visit to the state on Monday, General Musa described the attack as “beyond heartbreaking”, warning that internal betrayal may be undermining the military’s efforts to curb violence in the troubled Middle Belt region.

 

“We are beginning to suspect that there are individuals within our own system who are sabotaging our efforts. We will not spare anyone found complicit, whether in uniform or not,” he said bluntly while addressing journalists and stakeholders.

 

The Yelwata killings, which have been widely condemned, mark one of the deadliest episodes in Benue’s long-running conflict, often attributed to violent clashes between herders and farming communities. However, the suggestion of internal collusion by security personnel has further fueled public anger and raised serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture.

 

The Defence Chief’s remarks signal a major shift in the military’s internal reckoning, as authorities face mounting pressure to not only protect vulnerable communities but also to hold their own accountable for lapses or complicity in escalating violence.

 

“The magnitude of what happened here requires more than just rhetoric. We will get to the bottom of it. Any officer or personnel found to have played a role — through action or inaction — will be dealt with decisively,” General Musa affirmed.

 

His statement comes on the heels of an earlier federal government confirmation that over 200 people were killed in what has been described as a “cruel and calculated massacre,” contradicting earlier claims by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who suggested it was a reprisal attack resulting in 59 deaths.

 

The defence chief’s assertion has reignited demands for a full-scale military audit, with civil society organizations and human rights groups calling for greater transparency, external oversight, and deep institutional reform to address infiltration, corruption, and neglect within the armed forces.

 

General Musa emphasized that the investigation would be comprehensive and that the military remains committed to restoring public confidence.

 

“This is not just about Yelwata. It’s about the soul of this nation. We will not allow our institution to be hijacked from within,” he stated.

 

As the investigation unfolds, the Yelwata tragedy stands as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s escalating security challenges — and the urgent need for accountability at every level of command.