Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to state governments against pursuing any form of peace agreements or negotiations with armed bandits, declaring such moves dangerous, counterproductive, and a direct threat to national security.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, the minister emphasised that the Federal Government has repeatedly advised all tiers of government to avoid engaging with criminal armed groups. He described bandits as untrustworthy actors who cannot be relied upon to honour any agreement, arguing that negotiations only serve to embolden criminal networks, undermine military efforts, and extend the cycle of insecurity plaguing parts of the country.
“The Federal Government’s position is clear. There would be no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments, and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising communities,” he said.
Musa stressed that the only effective approach to restoring lasting peace lies in sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations, and active cooperation from local communities. He urged state governors to fully align with the federal security strategy rather than pursuing independent initiatives that risk weakening the national response.
The minister’s remarks come amid heightened public criticism of reported state-level peace efforts, including allegations that the Katsina State Government has initiated processes to release about 70 suspected and convicted bandits. Critics argue that such actions undermine justice, demoralise security personnel, and send the wrong signal to criminal elements.
In the same interview, Musa made a direct appeal to ordinary citizens, calling on them to cease providing any form of support to bandits. “Stop aiding bandits with food, money, or information,” he urged, warning that such assistance directly fuels violence and postpones national stability.
The Federal Government’s firm stance against negotiations and ransom payments reaffirms its commitment to a hardline approach in combating banditry and other forms of armed criminality across Nigeria.
