Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has issued a firm warning to state governments, urging them to abandon any form of peace negotiations or amnesty deals with armed bandits, describing such moves as a direct threat to national security.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the defence chief said the Federal Government has consistently advised all tiers of government against negotiating with criminal groups responsible for killings, kidnappings and mass displacement across parts of the country.
General Musa cautioned that peace deals with bandits are not only risky but counter-productive, arguing that criminal groups lack credibility and rarely honour agreements reached with authorities.
According to him, dialogue with armed groups often strengthens their networks, weakens military operations and prolongs insecurity in affected regions.
“The position of the Federal Government is unambiguous,” Musa said. “There will be no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising our communities.”
The minister called on state governors to align fully with the federal security strategy, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through sustained military pressure, intelligence-driven operations and strong cooperation from local communities.
His remarks come amid growing public anger over reports that some state governments are exploring peace initiatives with bandits, including plans to release suspects in custody — actions critics say undermine justice and demoralise security personnel on the front lines.
General Musa also appealed directly to citizens to stop providing food, money or intelligence to bandits, warning that such support fuels violence and delays the restoration of national stability.
The warning follows allegations that the Katsina State Government has initiated processes that could lead to the release of about 70 suspected and convicted bandits — a development that has intensified debate over the handling of Nigeria’s security crisis.
