Group laments terrorists occupation of forests, grazing reserves

Nigeria faces a worsening security crisis, with forests and grazing reserves becoming operational hubs for terrorists and criminal elements, according to the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Associations (CONAECDA).

CONAECDA's Secretary-General, Suleman Sukukum, and President, Danladi Jeji, expressed alarm over the escalating violence. They pointed to recent attacks in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states, in addition to persistent incidents in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Kaduna states, as indicators that insecurity is rapidly expanding. The group also noted a concerning influx of herders into remote areas of the Federal Capital Territory, warning of serious security threats to Abuja and its environs.

"There are reports indicating that nearly all forests and grazing reserves across the country now host sleeper cells or active terrorist groups," Sukukum and Jeji stated. They further highlighted Nigeria's growing strategic importance in the global terrorist network, citing the recent killing of a top Islamic State West Africa Province commander.

CONAECDA strongly condemned efforts to politicize or ethnicize the insecurity issue. They argued that terrorist groups thrive by exploiting religious, ethnic, and political divisions for recruitment and sustained operations. The organization stressed that both Christians and Muslims are victims, and insecurity should not be reduced to narrow narratives. Addressing the indigene/settler debate, CONAECDA reaffirmed the historical recognition of native rights and traditional identities within Nigeria's governance structure, asserting that local governments and traditional institutions are the legally recognized authorities for issuing indigene certificates.

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There are reports indicating that nearly all forests and grazing reserves across the country now host sleeper cells or active terrorist groups.