FG Slams Peace Deals With Bandits, Says They Fuel Insecurity and Blood Money Economy
In a country grappling with relentless bandit attacks, Nigeria’s security strategy is hardening, and back-channel peace deals are now firmly in the crosshairs of the Federal Government.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to Katsina and other state governments to immediately halt any form of negotiation or peace agreement with bandits, describing such arrangements as deceptive, counter-productive and a grave threat to national security.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Musa said the Federal Government had repeatedly cautioned Katsina State, in particular, against entering into truce arrangements with armed criminal groups.
He also condemned communities that provide logistical support to bandits, warning that selling food, drinks or supplies to them amounts to “eating blood money.”
Musa urged citizens to cut all contact with criminals and instead provide timely intelligence to security agencies.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed that sustained military pressure, not negotiation, remains the government’s preferred approach to ending banditry.
He insisted that troops routinely force abductors to abandon victims through tactical operations rather than ransom payments.
Musa categorically denied claims that the Federal Government pays ransom for kidnapped victims, particularly schoolchildren, stressing that such payments only embolden criminals and drive further abductions.
He advised families and communities to report kidnapping incidents promptly to security agencies rather than negotiating with abductors, noting that cooperation between citizens and security forces is critical to restoring lasting peace.
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