By Our Reporter
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has warned state governments to avoid signing any proposed peace deal with bandits, describing such arrangements as dangerous, counter-productive and a threat to national security.
General Musa issued this warning in an interview with BBC Hausa, stressing that the Federal Government had consistently advised all levels of government against negotiating with armed groups, even as he stressed that bandits cannot be trusted to honour any agreement.
The minister, while issuing the warning, argued that negotiations only embolden criminal networks, weaken military operations, and prolong insecurity.
"The Federal Government’s position is clear. There would be no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments, and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising communities," he said.
Musa urged state governors to align with Federal security strategy, stating that sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations and community cooperation remained the only viable path to restoring peace.
The minister’s warning followed growing public outrage over reports of state-level peace initiatives and planned releases of suspected bandits, moves critics say undermined justice and demoralise security forces.
Speaking further, General Musa also appealed to citizens to stop aiding bandits with food, money, or information, warning that such support fuels violence and delays national stability.
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