Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, has cautioned state governments to distance themselves from any proposed peace deal with bandits.
Musa handed down the warning in an interview, maintaining that the Federal Government has consistently advised all levels of government against negotiating with armed groups.
Musa while describing such arrangements as dangerous, counter-productive, and a threat to national security, emphasised that bandits cannot be trusted to honour any agreement.
The Minister opined that negotiations only solidify criminal networks, weaken military operations, and prolong insecurity, calling on governors to align with federal security strategy.
He stated that sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations, and community co-operation remain the only viable path to restoring peace.
Musa’s warning followed growing public outrage over reports of state-level peace initiatives and planned releases of suspected bandits, moves critics say undermine justice and demoralise security forces.
Musa equally appealed to citizens to stop aiding bandits with food, money, or information, saying that such support fuels violence and delays national stability.
