The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, has warned state governments to steer clear of any proposed peace deal with bandits.
Musa issued this warning in an interview with BBC Hausa, saying that the Federal Government has consistently advised all levels of government against negotiating with armed groups.
Describing such arrangements as dangerous, counter-productive, and a threat to national security, the minister stressed that bandits cannot be trusted to honour any agreement.
According to him, negotiations only embolden criminal networks, weaken military operations, and prolong insecurity.
“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 said.
Musa 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.
The minister’s warning followed growing public outrage over reports of state-level peace initiatives and planned releases of suspected bandits, moves critics say undermine justice and demoralise security forces.
Musa, in the same vein, appealed to citizens to stop aiding bandits with food, money, or information, warning that such support fuels violence and delays national stability.
The Katsina State Government had allegedly initiated the process for the release of about 70 suspected and convicted bandits.