The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has issued a stern warning to Nigerians and other individuals who provide support to terrorists, bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements, urging them to desist immediately as the Federal Government bolsters efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
The appeal was made on Saturday at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Tournament held at TYB Golf Resort and Country Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja.
General Musa emphasised that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has empowered the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies with a clear mandate to act decisively against all threats to national security.
He called on citizens to support these efforts by providing timely information to security operatives and refraining from assisting criminal networks.
“Those who are still supporting bandits, criminals, insurgents and terrorists should stop forthwith,” Musa said, adding that “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.”
Musa described the annual Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a period not only to honour fallen heroes but also to recognise the sacrifices of serving personnel and their families. He said the event underscores national appreciation for their contributions to peace and stability.
In his remarks at the same event, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to ensuring peace nationwide, noting that the military stands ready to respond to threats and is relying on citizen support to enhance operational effectiveness.
Oluyede urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that “as soon as you see something, say something so that action can be taken.”
He also acknowledged the continued support of Nigerians for security agencies and reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the nation.
The call for cooperation comes amid ongoing insecurity challenges across parts of Nigeria, where terrorists, bandits and kidnappers have carried out attacks and disrupted lives. Security analysts have noted that effective intelligence sharing and community engagement are key to disrupting criminal networks and improving operational outcomes.
Musa also highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and operational capacity of the armed forces, pointing to sustained government backing for troops and strategic security initiatives.
The minister’s warning reflects a broader federal stance that security is a shared responsibility requiring active participation from all Nigerians.
In closing, the defence minister reiterated that Nigeria’s security agencies have both the legal mandate and the resolve to pursue those who undermine national peace, alongside the continued assistance of the public, as part of the nation’s comprehensive approach to tackling terrorism and banditry.
The Defence Ministry’s renewed appeal for citizen cooperation and its warning to criminal collaborators underscore the government’s intensified security posture ahead of key national events.
The emphasis on information sharing and public support may influence community‑policing strategies and broaden engagement between security agencies and local populations, a factor critical to addressing deep‑rooted insecurity across regions.
