The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has reportedly issued a serious warning to state governments, Local Governments against entering into or making peace deals with bandits, describing such arrangements as dangerous, counter-productive, and a direct threat to national security.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, General Musa said negotiating with bandits hampers the operations of the military, he said bandits do not fear God and that negotiations only embolden criminal networks, undermine ongoing military operations, and prolong insecurity across affected regions. He reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s position remains unequivocal: there will be no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments, and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising communities.
General Musa urged state governors to align fully with the federal security strategy, emphasising that sustained military pressure, intelligence-driven operations, and close cooperation with local communities remain the only credible path to restoring lasting peace.
His warning comes amid growing public outrage over reports of state-level peace initiatives and the planned release of suspected bandits moves critics argue weaken the rule of law, undermine justice for victims, and demoralise security forces risking their lives in the field.
The Defence Minister also appealed directly to citizens, cautioning them against providing bandits with food, money, shelter, or information. Such acts, he warned, only fuel violence, strengthen criminal groups, and delay national stability.
