UPDATED: There Will Be Zero Tolerance For Banditry, Terrorism Under My Watch – Musa

Designated Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, declared during his senatorial screening in Abuja that he will adopt a firm security posture to confront Nigeria’s persistent threats of banditry, terrorism, and cross-border criminal networks.

He emphasised an uncompromising stance against violent groups once he assumes office, stressing that his leadership would take decisive action to restore security across the country.

Musa reaffirmed his readiness to use the full capacity of the armed forces against criminal elements undermining communities.

He said, “There will be zero policy on anything banditry or terrorism under my watch. We are going to go out. I will make sure that the armed forces will go out fully because security is localised.”

He addressed the repeated cases of school abductions and community attacks, noting that the country must adopt a coordinated approach that strengthens local defences and improves communication channels.

Musa highlighted the need to equip communities to act as first responders, especially in remote areas where security agencies cannot immediately intervene.

He stated, “Now, we must build resilience for our communities, because crime is localised. We can build the capacity of the locals themselves, to be the first responders because when they (terrorists) come they can reprise their attack as defence security agencies cannot be everywhere at the same time.”

While discussing the vulnerability of schools and the delays in intelligence sharing, Musa pointed to gaps in information management and the weak use of technology.

He added, “It’s good that we build them so that our schools can be secured. You see, most of the schools that have been built are left exposed. Information, conveyance, again, has been an issue.

“Before this information is relayed, the use of technology, we’re going to make sure that we do a whole-of-society approach to addressing this issue of kidnapping of school.”

He insisted that effective coordination between the military, police, other security agencies, and communities would close existing security gaps.

According to him, “With technology, working together, with the armed forces, the police and other security agencies, and the communities. That is where the gap has been and we must be able to address that properly.”

Musa also underscored the importance of accountability in defence financing, particularly as the government continues to commit significant resources to counter insecurity.

He said, “Through this approach, we will be able to secure these children and stop issues of kidnapping all over the country. Also, one basic area we’re also going to look at is accountability of the armed forces. Whatever funds have been disbursed, we want to make sure that they are properly utilised.”

Reflecting on broader insecurity management, the defence minister-designate explained that many policy issues persist because Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) do not collaborate effectively with the armed forces.

He noted that the military solution alone represents only a portion of the intervention needed to stabilise the country.

He continued, “On the issue of policy, we have not really been able to get the full support of the MDAs. I think one mistake we make is that we think the armed forces can solve all the problems.

“The armed forces solution is just 20 to 25 per cent. The Majority has to do with good governance, building capacity, working together with all the other MDAs…”

Musa stressed the importance of regional diplomacy and cooperation with neighbouring countries whose border controls directly affect Nigeria’s internal security environment.

He said, “So we need to harmonise all this diplomatically again. Our neighbouring countries, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Benin Republic… because if they’re able to secure their own borders, it means our own borders will be secured.”

He also acknowledged that terrorist groups view Nigeria as a lucrative target and therefore attempt to exploit weak border points.

Musa noted, “These terrorists think that Nigeria is so rich that when they come to Nigeria, they can make it. That’s why we must make sure we secure our borders and deny them entry, and for those that are within, we will be able to take them out.”

He emphasised that involving communities is critical to sustained security gains.

He said, “If we don’t carry the communities along we’re going to continue to run empty and into issues. That’s why we must bring them together.”

Citing the Southwest as an example of coordinated regional action, Musa encouraged state governments to adopt unified strategies and avoid working in isolation.

He added, “Why the Southwest seems to be doing very well is because all the governors agreed together… because two, three are better than one.”

He warned that bandits exploit porous borders and frequently escape across international lines, making regional cooperation unavoidable.

Musa stated, “In fact, where they get their strength, is the ability to run when you attack them… and that’s where I said, it’s important we do not respect our approach in ridding them out.”