Backing bandits makes you one of them, Musa warns Nigerians

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups aiding terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal networks, urging them to desist or face the consequences as security forces intensify operations nationwide.

Musa said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised the armed forces and other security agencies to decisively confront all elements undermining national security, including their collaborators.

“I call on all Nigerians to continue to support the armed forces and security agencies and work for peace. To those that are still supporting those bandits, criminals, insurgents, terrorists, they should stop because they say the friend of a thief is a thief.

“For us, if we get to the battlefield and you are among them, then whatever happens to them happens to you. And it’s important, again, for those good Nigerians to provide necessary information,” the minister said.

He spoke on Saturday while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Tournament, held at the TYB Golf Resort and Country Club within the Yar’Adua Barracks.

Musa explained that the annual Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is designed to honour both serving personnel and fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.

“The significance is for them, the armed forces, to ensure that they’re not forgotten, that we appreciate all the sacrifices they’ve been making, including the families of those who have passed on.

“And for us, it’s to encourage them that Nigerians love their own forces, and moving together, we will succeed,” he stated.

The defence minister also highlighted President Tinubu’s consistent backing of the military, noting that such support has boosted morale within the ranks.

“You can see that the president has consistently stood up for the armed forces, supported the armed forces, encouraged us in this regard,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the armed forces are acting on a clear directive from the President to restore peace across the country.

“President Tinubu has given us a mandate for the armed forces to ensure that there is peace in Nigeria,” Oluyede said.

He called on citizens to assist security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that timely intelligence can save lives.

“As quickly as you see something, say something, so that action should be taken. And the armed forces are always ready to react,” he said. The CDS further thanked Nigerians for their continued support, emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility.

“I want to also thank Nigerians for their support over time. And like it’s always said, security is everybody’s business. So I want Nigerians to understand the fact that they need to support their armed forces to make Nigeria safer.

“To the armed forces, we appreciate what they’ve done and what they’re doing. But we need more support so that we can achieve the mandate given to us,” he stated.

Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, acknowledging the risks they take daily in the line of duty.

“I always appreciate them for every opportunity I have because it’s not easy to go out there sacrificing your life for others to live. So we appreciate them and we do everything to make things better for them. That’s what I’m out to do generally,” he said.