Security Alert: Cleric Warns of Alleged Planned Attacks on Southern Borno Communities Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, Director General of the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria, has issued a security alert alleging planned attacks on Christian communities in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Southern Borno State, particularly Dille and Lassa districts, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement dated June 11, 2026, Rev. Dikwa alleged that terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, are planning coordinated attacks before, during and after the elections, similar to past incidents in parts of the state, including Gwoza in 2014, which led to displacement of residents.
He further claimed that the planned attacks could involve the burning of houses belonging to prominent individuals and churches previously rebuilt after earlier violence, as well as killings and further displacement of residents.
According to him, the attackers may disguise themselves in civilian JTF or military-style uniforms to create confusion and appear as security personnel. He also alleged that Chibok and Hawul Local Government Areas could remain under similar threat.
Rev. Dikwa also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate responses from some local leaders, alleging that warnings are sometimes dismissed or misinterpreted instead of being acted upon.
He further claimed that international attention had been drawn to the activities of terrorist groups in Nigeria following information he said was shared with foreign authorities, while also alleging that the Federal Government was attempting to downplay the situation.
The cleric called for stronger preventive action to address insecurity in affected communities and expressed hope that urgent intervention would stop what he described as continued threats against residents.
He signed the statement as Director General of the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria and provided contact telephone numbers.
Security agencies had not issued an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
