Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has issued a stern warning to state and local governments against entering into peace agreements with bandits and terrorists, declaring that such engagements are deceptive, counterproductive, and detrimental to national security.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, General Musa clarified that negotiations with terror groups form no part of the federal government’s non-kinetic strategies. He argued that historical precedence shows armed groups consistently exploit these truces to regroup, rearm, and launch fresh attacks on innocent citizens.
According to the Minister, the federal government has observed a troubling pattern where bandits pretend to accept peace when seeking a tactical advantage, only to renege once trust is established. He lamented that despite repeated warnings, some state governments—citing Katsina State as a prime example—and local communities continue to pursue these independent negotiations. These local arrangements, he noted, have complicated federal military operations, as security forces are often restrained from engaging valid targets under the pretext of existing peace treaties, even while those same groups continue to terrorize the population.
General Musa insisted that while the administration respects the democratic limitations of federal authority, it will continue to dialogue with sub-national governments to ensure a unified front. He maintained that bandits lack the moral restraint to honor agreements and that the only viable path forward involves coordinated, sustained security efforts rather than concessions.
Aligning with the federal stance on zero negotiation, the Kogi State Government has moved to strengthen its security architecture through technology rather than dialogue. On Monday, Governor Usman Ododo unveiled two advanced surveillance drones at the 12th Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Lokoja. The Governor stated unequivocally that his administration would not negotiate with criminals, emphasizing that the new drone technology would allow for real-time intelligence gathering and precision strikes in difficult terrains and forested hideouts.
During the unveiling, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, commended the Kogi State government for the procurement, noting that it demonstrates a renewed commitment to assisting the military in protecting lives and property.
In a related development concerning the stability of the armed forces, the Nigerian Army has vehemently debunked viral reports alleging a looming mutiny by soldiers over salaries and allowances. The military hierarchy described the reports as “entirely false and misleading,” accusing the authors of attempting to undermine public confidence and threaten national security.
In a statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Army clarified that mutiny is a grave offense alien to the ethos and professionalism of the Nigerian military. She explained that the rumors were based on anonymous, unverifiable claims and assured the public that troops remain loyal to the Constitution and the President. The statement further clarified that military remuneration includes various allowances beyond basic salary, such as operational and hardship entitlements, which vary by deployment.
Meanwhile, to bolster troop morale and operational efficiency, COAS Lieutenant-General Shaibu undertook an operational visit to the Headquarters of the 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State. Addressing the troops, Shaibu underscored the strategic importance of the region to Nigeria’s stability and charged soldiers to remain disciplined and professional. He assured the personnel that their welfare remains a top priority and that Army Headquarters is actively addressing challenges to ensure they are adequately equipped for Operation ENDURING PEACE.
General Shaibu urged younger soldiers to respect the chain of command and leverage the mentorship of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, reaffirming that the military leadership is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for the successful defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.
