The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has alleged that the last bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, were intended to discourage President Bola Tinubu from visiting the United Kingdom.

Musa made the claim during an interview on Arise Television on Friday while speaking on the country’s security situation and efforts to combat terrorism.

According to him, Nigeria has witnessed a significant reduction in bomb attacks compared to previous years when incidents involving vehicle-borne and body-borne improvised explosive devices were frequent.

He said bomb explosions are now rare and suggested that some of the recent incidents may have political undertones.

The Defence Minister specifically alleged that the explosions in Maiduguri were deliberately planned to undermine the president ahead of his UK visit.

According to Musa, the intention was either to stop Tinubu from making the trip or weaken his position while abroad.

He described the development as unfortunate and appealed to Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used to destabilise the country.

Musa warned that allowing insecurity and instability to destroy the country would have severe consequences for citizens, noting that people who flee troubled nations often face discrimination abroad.

According to Musa, the intention was either to stop Tinubu from making the trip or weaken his position while abroad.

He described the development as unfortunate and appealed to Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used to destabilise the country.

Musa warned that allowing insecurity and instability to destroy the country would have severe consequences for citizens, noting that people who flee troubled nations often face discrimination abroad.