Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has cautioned state governments against entering into peace agreements with bandits, warning that such moves pose serious risks to national security and undermine ongoing security efforts.
During an interview on BBC Hausa, the defence minister said the Federal Government has repeatedly advised governors and other subnational authorities to avoid negotiations with armed groups, describing dialogue with terrorists as both dangerous and ineffective. According to him, criminal groups involved in violence cannot be relied upon to keep any form of agreement.
Musa stressed that engaging bandits through negotiations only strengthens their networks, weakens military operations, and allows insecurity to persist. He reiterated the Federal Government’s firm stance, making it clear that there would be no peace deals, no payment of ransoms, and no recognition of groups responsible for terrorising communities across the country.
He urged state governors to fully support and align with the federal security framework, noting that lasting peace can only be achieved through sustained military action, intelligence-driven operations, and strong collaboration with local communities. Any approach outside this strategy, he warned, risks reversing the gains already made by security agencies.
The minister’s comments come amid rising public anger over reports that some states are pursuing local peace initiatives, including plans to free suspected or convicted bandits. Critics argue that such actions weaken the justice system and lower the morale of security personnel risking their lives to combat criminality.
Musa also appealed to members of the public to stop providing assistance to bandits, whether in the form of food, money, or information. He warned that civilian support for criminal groups directly contributes to continued violence and delays the country’s return to stability.
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His remarks follow allegations that the Katsina State Government had begun processes aimed at releasing around 70 individuals suspected or convicted of banditry, a development that has further intensified debate over how best to address insecurity in the country.
