The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has issued a stern warning to Nigerians and others who support terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and criminal elements to stop immediately, declaring that the Federal Government has mandated security agencies to act decisively against them.
Musa spoke on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 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 Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja.
Musa urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
“I call on all Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces and security agencies and work for peace,” he said, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in information sharing.
“Those who are still supporting bandits, criminals, insurgents and terrorists should stop forthwith. As the saying goes, the friend of a thief is a thief. If we get to the battlefield and you are among them, whatever happens to them happens to you.”
The defence minister explained that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day event was intended not only to honour fallen heroes but also to recognise and appreciate serving personnel and their families for their sacrifices in defence of the nation.
He noted that such events serve to boost morale within the ranks and reassure troops of the nation’s support.
In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the Armed Forces a clear mandate to ensure peace and security across Nigeria.
Oluyede emphasised the role of citizens in reporting suspicious activities, saying that prompt intelligence from the public can help prevent attacks and save lives. “As soon as you see something, say something, so that action can be taken,” he said, adding that “security is everybody’s business.”
Musa’s warning reflects growing concern within government and security circles about the role of financiers, collaborators, and informants in sustaining violent criminal networks across the country.
Efforts to crack down on terrorism and banditry have been a central focus of national security policy, with recent moves by the National Assembly to classify kidnapping and related crimes as terrorism and extend penalties to all actors involved, including sponsors and logistics providers.
The defence minister’s comments underscore the federal government’s strategy of combining military operations with community cooperation to address insecurity.
Officials say that enhanced citizen support, timely intelligence, and proactive reporting are critical to disrupting criminal networks and protecting vulnerable communities.
Security analysts say that engaging local communities and reinforcing the role of civilians in intelligence gathering will be crucial as the nation seeks to sustain gains in counter‑terrorism and stabilisation efforts nationwide.
