Ex-Defence Chief Accuses Senators, Governors of Terrorism Sponsorship

Retired Commodore Kunle Olawunmi, a former Commandant of the Defence Intelligence College, has alleged that some Nigerian senators, governors and ministers are sponsoring terrorism, claiming that there is overwhelming evidence against the unnamed officials.

The Press Nigeria reports that Olawunmi made the allegation during an interview with media personality and political scientist Edmund Obilo.

The retired naval officer, who also served as Deputy Director of Defence Administration at the Defence Headquarters, expressed concern that some public officials who should be protecting Nigerians were allegedly contributing to the country’s security challenges.

He questioned how elected and appointed leaders could allegedly turn against the citizens they were entrusted to protect.

Olawunmi specifically alleged that individuals holding key government positions were involved in sponsoring terrorism in the country.

“If you want us to go there, who are the people sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria? They are your officials. So how did they get to that point that they turn rogue against their citizen?” he said.

He further claimed that some of the alleged sponsors occupy influential positions, including those of senator, governor and minister.

“Can you imagine that you are a senator, you are a governor, you are a minister, and we have evidence, overwhelming evidence, that you are sponsoring terrorism against your country. How do you imagine that? Government officials sponsoring terrorism against Nigeria. And the state is aware,” he said.

The former defence intelligence chief questioned the contradiction between the responsibilities of public office holders and their alleged involvement in activities that threaten national security.

His claims come amid continued concerns over terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. However, he did not name the officials allegedly involved or disclose specific details of the evidence in the remarks provided.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and no response from the unnamed officials was available at the time of this report.