Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has shed light on why the country continues to grapple with banditry, insurgency and terrorism despite sustained military operations across several regions.
Speaking during activities marking the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, Musa said criminal groups remain difficult to defeat because they receive support from individuals within the communities where they operate.
According to the minister, terrorists and bandits rely heavily on local networks for food, information and other forms of assistance, enabling them to sustain their activities and evade security forces.
“Banditry, insurgency, terrorism… why does it seem so difficult to deal with it?” Musa asked, noting that these groups often live among civilian populations and depend on collaborators for survival.
“The food they get, the information they get — those are the oxygen that keep them going,” he said.
Musa stressed that military action alone cannot end insecurity, insisting that citizens must play an active role in cutting off the supply chains and intelligence networks that empower criminal elements.
He also urged Nigerians to view security personnel as partners rather than adversaries, emphasizing that members of the armed forces are equally affected by the consequences of insecurity.
“Security forces are not the enemies of the state. We’re all victims,” the minister said.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by troops on the frontlines, Musa called for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies. He argued that lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens refuse to knowingly or unknowingly provide support to terrorists, insurgents and bandits operating in their areas.
His remarks come as the military and other security agencies continue efforts to combat insecurity across different parts of the country.
