In Nigeria, the escalating insecurity crisis has become a matter of serious concern, with violent non-state actors displaying audacious disregard for authority. Of particular worry is the increasing spread of terrorism, further complicated by the alleged involvement of terror financiers. Recent findings reveal a disturbing pattern where military officers attempting comprehensive counterterrorism efforts have met questionable fates.
Former CDS Alex Badeh’s Tragic End
Among those affected was Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who served under Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari from 2014 to 2015. Badeh’s vehicle was ambushed on December 18, 2018, on the Keffi-Abuja expressway, leading to his tragic death. While two suspects attributed his killing to a robbery, insiders suggest a more sinister motive.
Badeh’s Confrontation with Terrorism Financiers
During his tenure, Badeh reportedly encountered top government officials engaged in dubious dealings with terrorists. In response to an attack on his hometown in Vimtim, Adamawa State, he undertook a covert operation in Maiduguri, where he allegedly witnessed government officials exiting a meeting with Boko Haram commanders. Despite the restraint he exercised, Badeh captured photographic evidence of the encounter.
The Assassination and Threats of Exposure
After his retirement in July 2015, Badeh faced arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), initiated by President Buhari. The arrest was linked to alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Air Force. Insiders claim that Badeh’s inclusion was orchestrated by officials who became aware of the photographic evidence from the covert operation. Badeh, threatening to expose the sponsors of terrorism during his court hearing, was subsequently assassinated.
Wider Pattern of Assassinations
Badeh’s case aligns with a broader pattern of assassinations targeting military officers with insider knowledge. Rear Admiral Daniel Ikoli and General Alkali, both privy to sensitive information, were also allegedly murdered in the preceding year (2017-2018). Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, asserts a common thread in these cases – individuals with critical insights into government excesses and secrets.