The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has warned governors against giving large motorcycles as palliatives, saying terrorists can seize them and use them to escape after attacks. Musa gave the warning on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also said terrorist attacks had become less common and that kidnapping was now a major security challenge.
His warning places concern on how government aid can affect security, especially in areas where terrorists operate. He said motorcycles with large engines give criminals an advantage because they can travel easily and disappear quickly.
“We try to appeal to any governor to stop giving out motorcycles as palliatives because these motorcycles are still the same ones that will end up with these terrorists. Even if you are to give, don’t give them the big capacity motorcycles, give them the small capacity ones that they won’t be able to use to run around because that gives them leverage. They can easily enter anywhere and then disappear at the same time.”
Musa says attacks have become less common
Musa said Nigeria had defeated terrorism, pointing to a reduction in reports of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, attacks.
Asked whether terrorists had been defeated or simply displaced, he said, “Frankly speaking we have (defeated terrorists) because now, like I said, the attacks are not as rampant and it is now kidnapping. Like I said, kidnapping is a social ill where you now see wives kidnapping husbands and husbands kidnapping children.”
The former Chief of Defence Staff said security had improved under President Bola Tinubu. He said Nigerians now hear fewer reports of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks, with some incidents occurring only occasionally.
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“I can tell you there is improved security. Maybe if you noticed, you don’t hear so much of Boko Haram attacks, ISWAP attacks and all these things here and there, maybe one off.
“Now I say, the trajectory is this, from criminality to kidnapping to terrorism, insurgency; once you are able to hit them it goes back downwards and so we are now back into the stage of abductions and kidnappings because that is the easiest way for them to try and raise money.”
Musa also said troops were entering terrorist enclaves and recovering many people who had been abducted.
His comments point to kidnapping as a major problem even with fewer reports of large terrorist attacks. He said criminals turn to abduction because it provides an easier way to get money.
Minister defends campaign assignment
Musa also defended his inclusion in the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign team responsible for security ahead of the 2027 election.
President Bola Tinubu is seeking a second term, but Musa said his campaign assignment would not affect his duties as Defence Minister.
“I am a professional, I will never succumb to that level (being partisan against opposition). Nigeria is my unit, whatever it takes to protect Nigeria that is what we stand for.
“We want a peaceful election, so we are going to work towards that and we are going to work with all the parties because that is why I am Minister of Defence, to ensure that every security force does what is right.
“So like I said, we are going to support INEC to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible because we want Nigeria to come out of all these election issues. We have gone past that.”
Musa also identified weak local government administration as one factor aggravating insecurity. He said local governments need to function effectively to help address security problems.
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