Federal Government Cautions States Against Peace Negotiations with Bandits

The Federal Government has cautioned state governments about entering into peace negotiations with bandits, labeling such agreements as misleading and harmful to efforts aimed at ensuring national security.

The Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, expressed this viewpoint during a conversation with BBC Hausa that was observed in Kaduna.

He referred to Katsina as a case in point, observing that the Federal Government had previously warned against peace initiatives involving armed factions within the state.

Musa further urged communities to cease all interactions with bandits, including the provision of food and other supplies.

“We consistently advise the public to refrain from any dealings with bandits and to stop supplying them with food or drinks,” he stated.

The minister underscored the necessity of public cooperation, indicating that intelligence from citizens is crucial for combating banditry throughout the nation.

“It is important for people to recognize that selling food to them and accepting money in return is effectively profiting from blood money, which is unacceptable,” he remarked.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to restoring peace, emphasizing that ongoing military action combined with public support are the most potent tools available against banditry.

Musa also dismissed the common belief that ransom payments are made to liberate kidnapped individuals, particularly schoolchildren, asserting that the federal government does not engage in ransom payments for abducted individuals.

He clarified that security forces depend on military pressure and intelligence operations to secure the release of such victims.

“The federal government does not pay ransom. Even if other entities do, we do not engage in such payments,” he asserted.

“The assumption that ransom is paid is widespread. For instance, when children are abducted from educational institutions, military personnel enter the forests to exert pressure on the bandits, prompting them to flee and leave the children behind, which allows us to recover them. There are no ransom payments involved,” he explained.

Musa warned that paying ransom only bolsters criminal networks and invites more kidnappings.

“We are against it, as it perpetuates the cycle of abductions for financial gain. Thus, we urge individuals to refrain from paying ransom,” he added.

He called on families and communities to report any kidnapping incidents to the security forces rather than negotiating with the kidnappers.

“If someone is taken hostage, they must inform the security agencies so that appropriate measures can be implemented,” the minister concluded.