The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has urged state governments across the country to stop engaging in negotiations with bandits, warning that such actions undermine national security efforts.
Musa made the call during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he expressed concern that dialogue with criminal groups weakens ongoing military operations.
According to him, reaching agreements with bandits often proves futile, as they cannot be trusted to honour their commitments.
He argued that many of the criminals lack genuine remorse and are likely to renege on any deals struck with them.
The minister disclosed that the Katsina State Government was cautioned over its recent decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits from custody.
However, the Katsina government had defended the action, describing the move as essential to consolidating community-driven peace agreements with “repentant bandits” in several local government areas.
“Negotiation with bandits is not a way out, those people are not real, whenever they come for reconciliation, they need something,” Musa spoke in Hausa language.
READ ALSO: Villagers in Katsina retaliate against bandits by capturing their families
“What’s happening in Katsina we told them, don’t ever make the mistake of reconciling with those people, they are liars.
“We begged people to stop negotiating with them and the government should stop. It’s not right and they will surely come back again. They don’t fear God.
“We already informed them it damages our work, we asked them to stop, you know it’s democracy now not military rule. But we are in talk with them.”
The defence minister refuted claim that the federal government pays ransom to kidnappers.
“Paying ransom is not good. People should stop paying ransom when they kidnap people. Report should be made and actions will be taken.”
“Federal government doesn’t pay for ransom. It might be other people and they are doing that on their own.”
