The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has cautioned state governments against negotiating with bandits, describing such engagements as counterproductive and harmful to ongoing military operations across the country.
Musa gave the warning during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he argued that dialogue with criminal groups only emboldens them and complicates the efforts of security agencies.
According to the minister, bandits cannot be trusted to honour peace agreements, noting that many often return to criminal activities even after reaching reconciliation deals with authorities.
He disclosed that the Katsina State Government had earlier been advised against its recent decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits in custody. The state government had justified the move as part of efforts to promote community-based peace initiatives involving so-called repentant bandits in some local government areas.
Musa, however, insisted that such measures weaken security operations and do not offer a lasting solution to insecurity.
“Negotiation with bandits is not a way out. Whenever they come for reconciliation, they want something,” he said in Hausa. “What is happening in Katsina—we warned them not to make the mistake of reconciling with those people. They are liars and they will surely return to crime. They don’t fear God.”
He added that security agencies had repeatedly appealed to governments to halt negotiations, stressing that such actions undermine military efforts on the ground.
“We told them it damages our work and asked them to stop. But this is a democracy, not military rule. Still, we are engaging them in discussions,” he said.
The defence minister also dismissed claims that the federal government pays ransom to kidnappers, insisting that such practices are discouraged.
“Paying ransom is not good. People should stop paying ransom when kidnappings occur and instead report to the authorities so action can be taken,” Musa said. “The federal government does not pay ransom. If payments are made, they are done by individuals on their own.”
