Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has issued a tough warning to Nigerians still aiding bandits, kidnappers, insurgents and other criminal elements, declaring that the Federal Government will come after anyone found supporting them.
Musa said President Bola Tinubu has given the armed forces and security agencies full backing to hunt down criminals and their collaborators across the country.
“The friend of a thief is a thief. If you are found supporting terrorists or bandits and you meet them on the battlefield, whatever happens to them will happen to you,” the defence minister warned.
He urged law-abiding citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information, stressing that intelligence from the public remains crucial in winning the fight against insecurity.
The minister spoke at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Tournament held at the TYB Golf Resort, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja. He said the annual celebration was meant to honour fallen heroes and appreciate personnel still serving, assuring Nigerians of the military’s commitment to peace and stability.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also said President Tinubu has mandated the armed forces to restore peace nationwide. He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
“Security is everybody’s business. The armed forces are always ready to act, but we need the support of Nigerians,” Oluyede said.
The military chiefs reaffirmed their resolve to intensify operations against criminals, urging citizens to stand firmly with the armed forces to make Nigeria safer.
