Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has cautioned state governments against negotiating peace deals with bandits, warning that such arrangements undermine national security and prolong insecurity.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the defence minister described bandits as untrustworthy and said negotiations only embolden criminal networks, weaken ongoing military operations and erode public confidence in the security architecture.

General Musa stated that the Federal Government’s position is unequivocal: there will be no negotiated settlements with bandits, no payment of ransoms and no legitimisation of armed groups terrorising communities across the country.

He urged state governors to align fully with the federal security strategy, stressing that sustained military pressure, intelligence-driven operations and cooperation from local communities remain the most effective path to restoring peace.

The warning comes amid growing public criticism over reports of state-level peace initiatives and plans to release suspected bandits, moves critics argue undermine justice and demoralise security personnel risking their lives on the front lines.

General Musa also appealed to citizens to stop aiding bandits with food, money or information, warning that such actions fuel violence and delay the restoration of stability nationwide.

Defence Minister Christopher Musa has warned state governments against negotiating with bandits, insisting that peace deals and ransom payments only worsen insecurity and undermine military efforts.