Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired), has delivered a firm and unequivocal warning to state governments across the federation, urging them to refrain from entering into peace negotiations or agreements with armed bandit groups. The minister’s remarks, made during a recent interview with BBC Hausa, reflect deep concerns within the Federal Government that such engagements could undermine national security efforts and embolden criminal networks operating in various parts of the country.
General Musa described peace deals and negotiated settlements with bandits as dangerous and counter-productive, stressing that armed criminal elements cannot be trusted to uphold any agreements they purportedly commit to. He argued that such arrangements, instead of bringing lasting peace, risked weakening the work of the military and security agencies, prolonging the very violence that authorities are striving to end.
“The Federal Government’s position is clear,” the defence minister declared, insisting that there will be no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments, and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising communities. He underscored that engaging in dialogue with bandits only serves to embolden them and signals a lack of resolve in confronting insecurity.
Musa’s warning comes amid growing public scrutiny and controversy over reported sub-national initiatives in some states to pursue community-brokered peace processes with criminal gangs or to release detained suspects as part of reconciliation efforts. Civil society groups, security experts, and federal authorities have repeatedly cautioned that such approaches can create confusion, undermine justice, and diminish morale among security forces.
In highlighting the risks of peace negotiations with bandits, Musa pointed to recent developments in Katsina State, where the government faced criticism for initiating steps to release dozens of suspected and convicted bandits. The minister noted that such actions were contrary to federal security strategy and could inadvertently provide criminal groups with opportunities to regroup and continue attacks on vulnerable communities.
Central to the defence minister’s argument is the assertion that military pressure, intelligence-led operations, and community cooperation represent the only viable path to restoring peace and stability in terror-affected regions. He called on governors to align their security strategies with those of the federal government, emphasising that unilateral deals with bandits would only weaken overall efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders, highways, farmlands, and towns.
Musa also sounded a strong message to citizens, urging them to refrain from providing any form of assistance to bandits, including food, money, or information. He warned that such support, even if seemingly innocuous, can fuel criminal activities and is morally unacceptable. “What people should understand is that if you sell food or drinks to them and accept their money, you are eating blood money,” he said, warning that community compliance with bandits could entrench their operations further.
Another critical component of the minister’s position is the Federal Government’s longstanding refusal to pay ransom for kidnapped victims, including high-profile abduction cases involving schoolchildren or community members. Musa reiterated that government security forces rely on sustained military pressure and coordinated intelligence efforts to force captors to abandon their victims and flee, rather than using ransom as a means of securing releases. He cautioned that ransom payments only serve to strengthen criminal networks and escalate the frequency of kidnappings.
The Defence Minister’s comments reflect broader tensions in Nigeria’s approach to tackling insecurity. While some state and local governments have at times pursued localized peace initiatives or negotiated ceasefires in an attempt to reduce immediate violence, federal security officials warn that these efforts can be exploited by criminal organisations as opportunities to bide time, re-arm, and regroup.
Security analysts argue that Nigeria’s vast geography, porous borders, and the adaptive tactics of armed groups demand a cohesive national strategy that discourages fragmented or ad-hoc arrangements. They point to the need for improved intelligence sharing, enhanced military capabilities, and strategic investments in socioeconomic development to address the root causes of banditry, kidnapping, and associated criminality.
General Musa’s warning also underscores the federal government’s emphasis on unity of purpose in combating insecurity. By calling on state authorities to align with federal policy, he highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach that leverages all available tools, including military operations, community vigilance, and intergovernmental cooperation.
The minister’s pronouncements arrive at a time when many Nigerians are expressing frustration over persistent insecurity in several affected zones, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions. Banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and other forms of violent crime have repeatedly disrupted daily life, imperilled livelihoods, and eroded public confidence in the state’s ability to guarantee safety.
Despite the Federal Government’s position against negotiated settlements and ransom payments, some security experts acknowledge the challenges of implementing a purely militarised response in a democratic setting, where governors and local authorities may feel pressured to explore alternative solutions. However, Musa’s warning makes clear that such alternatives, in his view, risk undermining the broader objective of restoring peace and stability.
The Defence Minister concluded his remarks by reaffirming the government’s determination to pursue long-term security solutions rooted in robust defence operations, intelligence gathering, and public-sector collaboration. He reiterated that breaking the cycle of banditry and terrorism will require sustained effort, strategic foresight, and collective resolve at all levels of government and society.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex and evolving security threats, the debate over negotiation versus confrontation with armed groups is likely to remain a central issue in the nation’s policy discourse. In the meantime, General Christopher Musa’s directive marks a clear reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s stance and a call for unified action against criminality that threatens the safety and stability of communities across the country.
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