Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has reportedly issued a stern warning to state governments against entering into or sustaining peace agreements with bandits, describing such arrangements as dangerous, counter-productive, and a direct threat to national security.

The minister stressed that bandits are inherently untrustworthy and that negotiations only embolden criminal networks, undermine ongoing military operations, and prolong insecurity across affected regions. He reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s position remains unequivocal: there will be no negotiated settlements, no ransom payments, and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising communities.

General Musa urged state governors to align fully with the federal security strategy, emphasising that sustained military pressure, intelligence-driven operations, and close cooperation with local communities remain the only credible path to restoring lasting peace.

His warning comes amid growing public outrage over reports of state-level peace initiatives and the planned release of suspected bandits moves critics argue weaken the rule of law, undermine justice for victims, and demoralise security forces risking their lives in the field.

The Defence Minister also appealed directly to citizens, cautioning them against providing bandits with food, money, shelter, or information. Such acts, he warned, only fuel violence, strengthen criminal groups, and delay national stability.