Defence Minister: Nigerians Aiding Terrorists, Bandits

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has said the fight against terrorism, banditry and insurgency remains difficult because criminal groups continue to receive support from people within local communities.

Speaking at The Platform Nigeria 2026, an annual event organised to mark Democracy Day, Musa said many criminal groups survive through information, supplies and other forms of assistance provided by individuals living among the population. According to him, security agencies cannot completely defeat insecurity without the cooperation of ordinary citizens.

The defence minister explained that many terrorists and bandits depend on local networks for food, shelter, transportation and intelligence. He said this support system allows them to continue their operations despite military efforts across different parts of the country.

Musa noted that modern security threats are more complicated than conventional wars because the people behind such crimes often operate from within the communities they attack. He said identifying enemies becomes more difficult when those involved blend into society and appear to be ordinary citizens.

He maintained that the armed forces and other security agencies cannot succeed alone, no matter the resources available to them. According to him, public support remains a key factor in winning the battle against insecurity.

The minister also called for greater unity among Nigerians, warning that criminal groups often take advantage of divisions within society to advance their activities. He said citizens must avoid actions that create distrust and instead work together to protect their communities.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Bukola Saraki discussed the importance of an independent legislature in a democratic system. He said the National Assembly must be able to carry out its constitutional duties without undue influence.

Saraki argued that lawmakers should carefully examine government proposals before approving them. He said a legislature that automatically accepts executive decisions without proper review is failing in its responsibility to the people.

According to him, the independence of the National Assembly should not be seen as opposition to the government. Rather, he said it strengthens democracy by ensuring accountability and helping to build public trust in governance.

The former Senate President added that a government’s mandate gains greater credibility when its actions are subjected to proper legislative scrutiny. He said strong democratic institutions remain essential for good governance and national development.

The discussions formed part of broader conversations on the future of democracy, governance and security in Nigeria as the country marked another Democracy Day anniversary.