Defense Minister Warns Governors Against Peace Deals with Bandits

The Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to state governments to refrain from entering into any peace negotiations with bandits.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa service, the Minister emphasized that the Federal Government’s directive against negotiating with armed groups remains firm and unchanged.

General Musa described these criminal elements as untrustworthy and warned that any local peace initiatives are not only counter-productive but also pose a significant threat to national security. He argued that such deals serve only to embolden criminal networks and undermine the momentum of active military operations.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s policy of zero tolerance for negotiated settlements, ransom payments, or any actions that legitimize the groups terrorizing communities.

He called on state governors to align their efforts with the national security strategy, which prioritizes sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations over dialogue with outlaws.

Furthermore, General Musa appealed to the public to stop supporting bandits through the provision of food, funds, or strategic information.

He concluded that the only viable path to restoring lasting peace is through a united front involving military force, government synergy, and community cooperation