Negotiating With Bandits, Ransom Payments Inimical To Our Work – CDS
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (red), has described negotiation with bandits and other criminal elements as well as payment of ransom to kidnappers as inimical to the operations of the Nigerian armed forces.
He warned state governments to stop negotiating with bandits, warning that such engagements weaken ongoing military operations.
In a translated interview with the BBC Hausa service, the defence minister categorically stated that such negotiation does more harm than good as “dialogue with criminal groups only emboldens them and complicates the work of security agencies.”
He described bandits as ungodly and untrustworthy criminals who always return to crime even after reaching peace deals with authorities.
In specific terms, Musa berated the Katsina State Government over its recent decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits in custody. He said the state authorities was warned against the step.
While the Katsina government had described the move as necessary for strengthening community-based peace initiatives with “repentant bandits” in some local government areas, the minister insisted that such steps are counterproductive.
“Negotiation with bandits is not a way out, those people are not real, whenever they come for reconciliation, they need something,” Musa said in Hausa.
“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 talks with them.”
The defence minister also dismissed claims 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.”
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