Defence Minister Warns States, Councils Against Negotiating With Bandits and Terrorists

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has cautioned state and local governments against entering into negotiations or peace agreements with bandits and terrorist groups, warning that such actions undermine national security efforts.

Speaking during a media interaction, the defence minister said the Federal Government does not support ransom payments or informal deals with criminal groups, stressing that bandits and terrorists cannot be trusted to keep agreements. According to him, negotiations often embolden criminals and encourage more attacks, kidnappings, and killings.

He explained that security agencies are focused on applying sustained military pressure to rescue abducted victims and dismantle criminal networks rather than offering financial or material incentives.

General Musa also urged communities to stop providing food, money, or other forms of support to armed groups, noting that such actions directly contribute to the persistence of insecurity. He encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities and kidnapping incidents promptly to security agencies.

The defence minister emphasized that tackling banditry and terrorism requires coordinated efforts among the federal, state, and local governments, alongside the active support of communities, to restore peace and uphold the rule of law across the country.