The Federal Government has cautioned state governments against engaging in peace talks or negotiating amnesty with bandits, describing such arrangements as misleading and a serious risk to national security.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), issued the warning during a radio programme, stressing that agreements with armed criminal groups often produce the opposite of their intended outcome. He said the Federal Government had previously advised some states, including Katsina, against pursuing such initiatives, noting that they have consistently failed to deliver lasting peace.
Musa explained that the military’s approach to kidnapping cases, particularly involving students, is to intensify operations by advancing deep into forest hideouts to exert tactical pressure. According to him, this strategy forces bandits to abandon their captives and flee, enabling the safe rescue of victims without the exchange of money.
The defence minister further warned against the payment of ransom, stating that it fuels criminal networks and encourages further abductions. He urged families and communities to avoid negotiating with kidnappers and to promptly report incidents to security agencies.
He dismissed claims that the government pays for the release of abducted persons, describing such beliefs as false and capable of emboldening criminals.
Musa also appealed to communities to withdraw all forms of support to bandits, condemning the sale of food, drinks, and logistics to them as “blood money.” He said cutting off these supply lines is critical to weakening the groups and ensuring the success of ongoing military operations.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring security, the minister said the fight against banditry would be won through sustained military pressure and active public cooperation, particularly through timely intelligence sharing rather than negotiations or ransom payments.
