Defense Minister Issues Stern Warning to State Governments Over Banditry Negotiations
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a definitive stand against the practice of negotiating with criminal elements. In a high-stakes directive issued on January 16, 2026, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), warned state governments across the federation to immediately cease all forms of “peace deals” with bandits. This move marks a significant shift in the national security strategy, emphasizing that the era of dialogue with armed groups is over.
Why the Federal Government is Opposing Peace Deals
Speaking in a candid interview with BBC Hausa, General Musa described state-level negotiations with bandits as not only “dangerous” but actively “counter-productive.” The Minister’s primary concern is that these deals provide criminal networks with the breathing room they need to regroup, rearm, and launch even more devastating attacks. According to the defense chief, bandits have proven time and again that they cannot be trusted to honor any agreement.
“There will be no peace deal with bandits,” General Musa stated firmly. He explained that these groups often use the guise of “reconciliation” to secure the release of their members or to gain financial leverage, only to return to their violent ways shortly after. This warning comes on the heels of reports that the Katsina State Government had initiated plans to release approximately 70 suspected bandits as part of a local peace initiative—a move the federal authorities have strongly condemned.
The Impact on Military Operations
A major highlight of the Minister’s warning was the negative impact these negotiations have on the morale and effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces. General Musa pointed out that when state governments bypass the federal security framework to make separate deals, it undermines the work of the military.
“It damages our work,” he lamented, noting that sustained military pressure is often weakened when criminals are given a “get out of jail free” card through localized peace accords. The Federal Government’s current position is one of “zero tolerance”: no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments, and no legitimization of any group that terrorizes Nigerian communities.
The “Friend of a Thief” Warning
In a separate but related address in Abuja, the Defence Minister also issued a stern warning to civilian collaborators. Using the proverb, “The friend of a thief is a thief,” General Musa cautioned individuals—including high-profile figures—against providing moral, logistical, or rhetorical support to bandits. He emphasized that in 2026, anyone found aiding insurgents, whether through providing food, information, or public defense, will be treated as a direct accomplice to the crime.
This “no-nonsense” approach is part of a broader mandate from President Bola Tinubu to restore absolute peace to the country. The Minister called on all law-abiding citizens to support the military by providing timely intelligence rather than seeking to appease criminals through negotiations or ransom.
The Path to Lasting Peace in 2026
As Nigeria navigates its complex security challenges, the NEC and the Ministry of Defence are aligning on a strategy of sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations. The government argues that national security cannot be achieved through fragmented state deals but through a unified front.
General Musa acknowledged that while Nigeria operates under a democracy and the federal government cannot use “might” to force compliance from states, clear messages have been sent. The expectation is that governors will align with the federal strategy to ensure that the rule of law prevails over the rule of the gun.
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