The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has issued a stern warning to Nigerians and others providing support to terrorists, bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements, urging them to desist immediately as the Federal Government mandates decisive action by security agencies.
He spoke on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Tournament held at the TYB Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja.
General Musa said that individuals aiding criminal networks risk being treated as accomplices, reiterating that the armed forces are prepared to confront all elements undermining national security.
“Those who are still supporting bandits, criminals, insurgents and terrorists must stop because they say the friend of a thief is a thief. If we get to the battlefield and you are found among them, whatever happens to them will also happen to you,”
he said, emphasising the importance of citizen cooperation with security agencies through timely intelligence.
Musa called on Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that collective action is essential to achieving lasting peace.
The minister highlighted that the annual Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day honours both serving personnel and fallen heroes who have sacrificed in the defence of the nation.
“I call on all Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and security agencies and work for peace… citizens must provide timely information to help us succeed,” Musa said, reiterating the need for public vigilance and cooperation.
In his remarks, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, echoed the call for greater national support, urging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities.
“If you see something, say something, so action can be taken. The armed forces are always ready to respond,” Oluyede said, stressing that security is a collective responsibility requiring participation from all Nigerians.
Musa also recognised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continuous backing for the armed forces, noting that presidential support has enhanced morale among military personnel tasked with confronting insurgency, banditry, terrorism and other security challenges nationwide.
The Defence Minister’s warning comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with multi‑faceted security threats, including terrorism in the North‑East, banditry in the North‑West, and violent criminal networks across other regions.
Federal authorities have repeatedly sought expanded citizen cooperation and intelligence sharing to strengthen efforts against these threats, and legislative proposals aimed at naming and prosecuting sponsors of terrorism are under consideration in the National Assembly.
National security stakeholders have emphasised that combating terrorism and related crimes requires a whole‑of‑society approach that combines law enforcement action with active citizen engagement.
As government pushes forward with strategic security directives, continued public support remains a core element of national efforts to restore peace and stability across Nigeria.
