Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired), has issued a stern warning to individuals supporting bandits, kidnappers, insurgents, and other criminal elements, urging them to desist immediately.
Speaking on Saturday at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Tournament held at the TYB Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja, Musa emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has authorized security agencies to take decisive action against such supporters.
“I call on all Nigerians to continue to support the armed forces and security agencies and work for peace,” Musa said. “To those that are still supporting those bandits, criminals, insurgents, terrorists, they should stop because they say the friend of a thief is a thief. For us, if we get to the battlefield and you are among them, then whatever happens to them happens to you.”
Musa highlighted the importance of community involvement in combating insecurity, urging citizens to provide necessary information to security agencies.
The event was part of the activities commemorating the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which honors both serving and fallen military personnel. Musa reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the armed forces and ensuring national peace and stability.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also addressed attendees, noting that President Tinubu has mandated the armed forces to ensure peace in Nigeria. He encouraged Nigerians to promptly report suspicious activities, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually to recognize the sacrifices of Nigerian troops in maintaining the country’s sovereignty and peace.
