FG Warns States Against Negotiating with Bandits
The Federal Government has warned state governments and communities against negotiating with bandits, describing such deals as deceptive and harmful to national security.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa made the statement in an interview with BBC Hausa, citing Katsina as an example where the government had cautioned against peace initiatives with armed groups.
Musa also urged communities to stop supplying bandits with food or other items.
“If you sell food to them and they give you money, you are eating blood money, and that is not good,” he said, appealing for public cooperation and intelligence sharing to help end banditry.
The minister dismissed claims that ransom payments are made to free kidnapped victims, including schoolchildren, saying the federal government does not pay ransom.
“Soldiers apply pressure on the bandits in the forest, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims. There is no payment of ransom,” Musa explained.
He warned that paying ransom only strengthens criminal networks and encourages further kidnappings.
Families and communities, he stressed, should report abductions to security agencies rather than negotiating with kidnappers.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
