Stop Negotiating With Bandits, Terrorists – Nigeria’s Defence Minister Warns States, Local Governments

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has warned state and local governments to stop negotiating or paying ransom to terrorists and bandits, describing such engagements as deceptive tactics that only embolden criminals. Speaking to BBC Hausa, Musa stressed that criminal groups never honor agreements, citing Katsina as an example. He urged citizens to report kidnappings instead of paying ransoms and called on states to address root causes of insecurity through education, jobs, and social development. Musa emphasized that cooperation between citizens and security agencies is key to ending insecurity nationwide.