By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to state governments against entering into peace agreements with armed bandits, declaring such deals harmful to national security.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Musa stated the Federal Government’s clear position against negotiations, asserting that bandits are untrustworthy and any agreements with them undermine counter-insurgency efforts.
“There will be no peace deal with bandits,” he said, noting that while the government cannot force compliance in a democracy, strong advisories have been sent to those engaging in such talks.
He also firmly denied any federal involvement in ransom payments to kidnappers.
“The Federal Government does not pay ransom. Anyone doing so is acting on his own,” he clarified, attributing recent successful rescues to intense military pressure rather than financial settlements.
On security strategy, the Minister highlighted intensified military operations, the use of technology, and strengthened regional cooperation to secure borders.
He reiterated support for physical border controls to curb criminal movement.
Musa appealed directly to the public to cease all collaboration with insurgents, including providing food, supplies, or intelligence.
He labelled such transactions as dealing in “blood money.”Addressing international perceptions, he dismissed claims of religiously targeted genocide, stating the violence affects all Nigerians indiscriminately.
He noted that U.S. leadership has acknowledged this reality.
Commenting on a recent U.S. airstrike in Sokoto State, Musa described it as “very successful,” noting that surviving fighters fled to Niger Republic.
The minister reaffirmed the military’s resolve to defeat insurgent groups, identifying sustained pressure, public cooperation, and a rejection of negotiations as critical to restoring lasting peace.