FG cautions states against peace deals with bandits
The Federal Government has warned state governments against entering into peace agreements with bandits, describing such arrangements as deceptive and harmful to national security.
Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, gave the warning in a recent interview, stressing that negotiating with criminal groups often emboldens them rather than bringing lasting peace. According to him, experience has shown that bandits frequently use dialogue as a tactic to regroup, rearm and intensify attacks.
Musa noted that while state governments may be driven by the desire to protect lives and restore calm, paying ransoms or offering concessions to armed groups undermines ongoing security operations and weakens the authority of the state.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a unified national security strategy, urging states to align with federal efforts aimed at decisively tackling banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
The defence minister emphasized that only sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations and cooperation among security agencies can deliver durable peace, adding that appeasement of criminal elements poses long-term risks to communities and the country at large.
