Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has attributed the persistence of terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to the support criminal groups receive from members of the public.
Speaking at The Platform, an event organised by The Covenant Nation in Lagos and broadcast on Channels Television, General Musa explained that armed groups continue to operate because they are sustained by individuals living within affected communities.
According to the minister, terrorists and bandits depend heavily on local assistance for survival, making security operations significantly more challenging.
“Banditry, insurgency, terrorism. Why does it seem so difficult to deal with it? Perhaps because we have people who are encouraging and supporting these things to happen,” he said.
“The terrorists and bandits survive around the people. There are several stories of how individuals have aided them by giving food, water, and information. These are the things that keep them going – and we call this the oxygen.”
‘The People Are Still Funding Them’
The minister questioned the sources of support available to criminal networks, insisting that many of their resources come from ordinary citizens.
“Who is funding them? Who is giving them information? Who is providing the logistics that keep them moving? It is still the people,” he added.
His remarks come amid continuing military operations across several parts of Nigeria and growing public concern over recurring attacks. While troops continue to target Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East, communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna remain under pressure from armed bandits.
Recent incidents have also raised fears of terrorist activity spreading beyond traditional hotspots. Last month, gunmen reportedly attacked three schools in Oyo State, abducting more than 40 teachers and students and demanding the release of detained commanders.
‘The Enemy Within’
General Musa noted that modern conflict differs significantly from conventional warfare, where opponents were clearly identifiable.
“Conventional warfare in the past used to be state versus state, so you knew who your enemy was. The most dangerous aspect of any campaign is when the enemy is within,” he said.
He maintained that the efforts of the military and other security agencies can only succeed when citizens actively cooperate by providing information and supporting lawful security measures.
“The armed forces and security agencies, no matter what they do, if the people are not ready to support, it makes things extremely difficult,” he said.
Call for Unity and Vigilance
The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that unity is essential to overcoming the nation’s security challenges.
“We must continue to work in unity because it is the gaps between us that these individuals see and try to exploit – to separate and divide us. We must not let that happen,” he warned.
Reflecting on Democracy Day, General Musa described June 12 as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for democratic governance. He argued that democracy can only flourish where security, responsible leadership, active citizenship, and strong institutions exist.
“No democracy can flourish where fear dominates daily life. No democracy can deliver prosperity where violence disrupts communities,” he said.
Beyond Military Action
The minister further argued that tackling present-day security threats requires more than military action, highlighting the importance of intelligence gathering, technology, inter-agency cooperation, and citizen involvement.
He also warned about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, stating that social media platforms are increasingly used to spread false narratives that undermine public trust and national cohesion.
Pointing to instability across the Sahel – particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – he noted that the movement of weapons and cross-border threats pose additional challenges for Nigeria.
‘Security Forces Are Not the Enemy’
Calling for stronger collaboration between citizens and government institutions, the minister emphasised that security personnel should not be viewed as adversaries.
“The security forces are not the enemies of the state. In fact, what I always say is that we are all victims,” he said.
He also cautioned against ethnic, religious, and political divisions, warning that such fault lines provide opportunities for criminal groups to exploit tensions.
“We are all Nigerians. God does not make mistakes. He has a purpose for putting us together,” he said.
Message to Young Nigerians
Addressing younger Nigerians, General Musa urged them to preserve and strengthen the democratic gains secured by previous generations.
“To our young people, I say this: the generation that fought for June 12 secured democracy. The responsibility of our generation is to secure it, strengthen it, and pass it on stronger than we received it.”
He added that patriotism requires citizens to act responsibly even when there is no recognition or reward. “Patriotism means doing what is right even when no one is watching,” he said.
Quoting President Bola Tinubu, the minister reiterated the government’s determination to confront insecurity: “Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists to define who we are as a people.”
General Musa concluded by stressing that lasting progress in Nigeria depends on security, national cohesion, and a shared commitment to the country’s future.