Minister of Defence nominee, General Christopher Musa (rtd), on Wednesday, vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against criminality, declaring that there will be "no negotiation with bandits or terrorists" if confirmed as Minister of Defence.
Speaking during his ministerial screening before the Senate, Musa dismissed the idea of negotiating with kidnappers or armed groups, warning that such actions embolden criminals and compromise national security.
"There is no negotiation with any criminal, and I think that should be made very, very clear," Musa said firmly.
"We are going to work closely with the National Security Adviser's office to ensure that states don't adopt such practices, because those things compromise security."
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The former Chief of Defence Staff noted that experience has shown that armed groups often exploit negotiations to regroup, rearm, and launch fresh attacks against communities.
"If you negotiate with them, they will never abide by it. It's just a moment for them to buy time, acquire more arms, and return to strike. We have seen it repeatedly even in communities that negotiated, the criminals came back after them," he warned.
Musa emphasised that collaboration among security agencies, state governments, and communities remained key to tackling kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He called for a united front and a firm national stance against any policy or arrangement that weakens the fight against crime.
"Collaboration is critical. No one individual or institution can do this alone. We must all work together," he said.
The immediate-past CDS also disclosed plans for a total ban on illegal mining, which he linked to rising insecurity across several regions of the country.
"There will be a total ban on illegal mining and other activities that fuel insecurity. We must confront every factor feeding this menace and deal with it decisively," he added.
The ministerial nominee, who was thereafter confirmed by the Senate, is expected to lead sweeping reforms in coordination between the Armed Forces and other security agencies aimed at restoring stability and reinforcing public confidence in the nation's security architecture.
