SUNTV Global Channel | News
January 16, 2026
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has issued a strong warning to state and local governments, urging them to immediately stop negotiating or making deals with bandits and terrorists, saying such actions sabotage national security efforts and embolden criminal groups.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the Defence Minister said the Federal Government has consistently cautioned subnational authorities against dialogue, negotiations, or ransom payments to armed groups, stressing that criminals only use such engagements to deceive authorities, regroup, and launch fresh attacks.
“Bandits and terrorists do not understand negotiation. Negotiation is deception,” Musa said. “When they come to the table, they only want something. Once you agree, they will turn around and attack again. What happened in places like Katsina is a clear example—we warned them not to negotiate.”
According to him, criminal groups never honour agreements reached through dialogue, describing them as habitual liars who exploit talks to buy time.
“They do not keep their word. They lie. Anyone negotiating with them should stop immediately. There is no truth in it. They only use it to regroup and return stronger. Those you negotiate with do not fear God,” he added.
Musa expressed concern that some states and communities continue to pursue negotiations despite federal warnings, noting that such actions undermine the work of the military and other security agencies.
“We have made it very clear that this undermines our efforts,” he said. “If everyone starts negotiating, then criminals will claim they are under talks and should not be touched, while they continue killing people. That will lead to total chaos.”
He disclosed that the Federal Government has formally engaged states and communities involved in such negotiations, urging them to discontinue the practice.
“We have communicated with all of them and told them to stop. This is a democracy; the military cannot just issue commands. But we are engaging them, and I am confident they will comply,” Musa stated.
On the issue of ransom payments, the Defence Minister described the practice as dangerous and counterproductive.
“Ransom payment is completely wrong. Once it becomes normal, the problem will only grow, because everyone will see kidnapping as a source of income,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to report kidnapping cases to security agencies instead of paying ransom.
“If there is a kidnapping, report it. Action will be taken. Paying ransom only fuels the problem,” he said.
Musa also dismissed claims that the Federal Government pays ransom to secure the release of abducted persons.
“As far as the Federal Government is concerned, we do not pay ransom. Some individuals may do so privately, but the government does not,” he said.
Responding to speculations surrounding the abduction of children in Niger State—where it was alleged that talks were held with kidnappers—Musa described such claims as unfounded.
“That is pure speculation,” he said. “Whenever children are abducted, the military tracks them. Most times, we recover them without paying anything. The criminals flee and abandon them when pressured.”
Addressing concerns about the continued operations of bandits across the country, the Defence Minister said the challenge is largely due to Nigeria’s vast size and uneven security coverage.
“Nigeria is a very large country. Criminals move away from areas with strong troop presence and operate where security is thin,” he explained.
He called on citizens to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
“If you see something, say something. That cooperation helps us act quickly,” he said.
Musa also appealed to state governments to tackle the root causes of insecurity by investing in education, job creation, healthcare, and basic social services.
“When there is poverty and hunger, recruitment into criminal groups becomes easy. Development is a key part of security,” he said.
Dismissing allegations that some officials collaborate with criminals, Musa described such claims as unpatriotic.
“They know they are lying. The armed forces are committed and determined to restore peace, and we are united in this effort,” he said.
While acknowledging the severity of Nigeria’s security challenges, the Defence Minister reassured citizens of the government’s resolve.
“Nigeria is going through a difficult time, but God is with us, and we will succeed,” he said. “Together, with cooperation and the right use of technology, we will overcome this problem.”
— SUNTV Global Channel
