Nigeria's defence minister warns state governors against negotiating with armed bandits

NIGERIA'S defence minister Retired General Christopher Musa has warned state governors against entering into peace deals with armed bandits that involve granting them amnesties saying that government policy is that negotiations will not be conducted with terrorists.

Over recent years, Nigeria has been reeling from the effects of terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping and general insecurity. Across large swathes of northern Nigeria, the authorities are no longer in control as armed groups not only levy taxes but also dish out punishment to locals who challenge their authority.

Last month, President Bola Tinubu appointed General Musa as Nigeria's defence minister following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, the former Jigawa State governor who resigned from office, citing ill-health. Seeking to enforce his authority, General Musa has asked state governors to desist from negotiating with these armed bandits, as it is contrary to government policy.

Feeling totally helpless and overwhelmed by the situation, several state governors have entered into dialogue with these armed bandits in the hope that they can get them to lay down their arms. However, describing such arrangements as dangerous, counter-productive and a threat to national security, General Musa stressed that bandits cannot be trusted to honour any agreement.

Issuing this warning in an interview with BBC Hausa, the defence minister said that the federal government has consistently advised all levels of government against negotiating with armed groups. He added that negotiations only embolden criminal networks, weaken military operations and prolong insecurity.

General Musa said: “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 called on governors to align with federal security strategy, stating that sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations and community cooperation remain the only viable path to restoring peace. In the same vein the minister appealed to citizens to stop aiding bandits with food, money, or information, warning that such support fuels violence and delays national stability.

Recently, the Katsina State government initiated a dialogue with bandits operating within its domain, offering to release about 70 suspected and convicted bandits. This led to a public outrage, with critics warning the Katsina State government that such moves undermine justice and demoralise the security forces.