As the Federal government continues to take bold steps aimed at defeating insurgency and banditry, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups known to be sympathizers of terrorists and bandits.
Speaking on Wednesday during an official visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, the Defence Minister threatened actions against anyone framing terrorism and banditry as expressions of regional, ethnic, or religious solidarity.
He therefore told those concerned to henceforth cease offering any form of support to criminal groups threatening national security.
Gen Musa (Rtd) noted that such criminal behavior should not be excused under any circumstances.
While declaring that “A friend of a thief is a thief,” the Defence Minister made it clear that it is essential for Nigerians to reject narratives that legitimize or excuse criminal activity.
According to him, such narratives only embolden criminal networks, which have wreaked havoc on communities, displaced families, and caused the deaths of countless innocent people.
He pointed out that those who defend, excuse, or shield criminals, whether through words, influence, or silence, must bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
Gen Musa (Rtd) noted that Nigeria cannot effectively combat terrorism and banditry while the lines between victims and perpetrators are blurred by sympathetic narratives.
“The choice is clear. “Stand with the law and the nation, or be counted among those enabling criminality,” he further warned.
Hanto Daily News said the Minister’s warning may not be unconnected with certain justifications regarding the actions of terrorists and bandits by some interest groups and individuals including Sheik Ahmed Gumi.
