By Mike Odeh
In a stern warning to citizens residing in security-challenged regions, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa has urged them to refrain from any form of trade or interaction with terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors. His remarks come amid growing concerns over the implications of such dealings on national security efforts.
Speaking on Wednesday after visiting patients at the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre, an event that coincided with both the Christmas celebration and his birthday, Musa expressed deep concern over the actions of some individuals who continue to engage in transactions with these criminal groups. He emphasized that such actions undermine the military and other security agencies’ efforts to combat insecurity across the nation.
“I want to also call on those few ones who think they are making money by trading with those terrorists and bandits. Those terrorists and bandits have no respect for anybody. Once you think you are trading with them, they are going to come after you,” he cautioned. He further elaborated that individuals who engage with these groups not only put themselves at risk but also endanger their loved ones.
Musa’s remarks come at a time when the country is grappling with the repercussions of terrorism and banditry, issues that he believes could have been mitigated had they been addressed earlier. “The mistakes that were made in the past when this thing (terrorism/banditry) started was that we did not nip it in the bud. We allowed it to get to where it is,” he lamented.
Despite the challenges, the CDS noted a positive shift in public sentiment, highlighting an increase in support, prayers, and vital information from citizens regarding security matters. “We must continue to do that,” he urged, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in the fight against insecurity.
Looking ahead to 2025, Musa assured the public that the military is committed to ensuring peace in Nigeria. He stated, “I think since we started to where we are today, there is a remarkable improvement in the security situation, and we are going to take that further. Next year is defining, which means that we will do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria is peaceful.”
The CDS’s message is clear: cooperation from the public is essential in the ongoing battle against terrorism and banditry. He concluded with a hopeful outlook, stating, “We are going to put every effort to ensure that we continue to live in peace. It’s not automatic, but I know if we have the cooperation of Nigerians, that is possible because God is always with us. We are going to make sure that Nigeria is better for everyone.”
As the nation reflects on the challenges of the past year, the call to action from the CDS serves as both a warning and a rallying cry for unity in the face of adversity.
