Bandits Rely On Support From Local Networks
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasized that the persistence of banditry and other security challenges is often enabled by local complicity, urging communities to take a more proactive stance in tackling insecurity.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative and the North Central Peace Summit in Jos, Plateau State, Gen. Musa highlighted the critical role of grassroots cooperation in dismantling the support networks that sustain criminal activity. He stressed that meaningful and lasting peace can only be achieved when communities work hand-in-hand with security agencies to expose and isolate perpetrators.
“It’s critical for Nigerians to take ownership of the armed forces, to understand that we need your support. We cannot do without this support because the criminals, the terrorists and insurgents are all living within the communities. In the communities today, they said that we will not support these criminals. We will not support these bandits. We will not support these terrorists. They will not survive,” he said.
The Defence Chief stressed that timely and reliable information from the public is essential to tracking and dismantling criminal networks.
“A few days ago, I mentioned, how are they getting their fuel? How are they getting their food? It comes from the communities that they are getting all these. The challenges we are facing as military men are that we have members of the public who are also supporting them, giving them information, providing them with their food, and providing fuel and that gives them the opportunity to continue what they are doing,” he added.
Musa also addressed concerns over military operations, acknowledging that while mistakes may occur, they are never intentional. “So, the military will continue to do its job. We may make mistakes somewhere, but it can never be deliberate, and that is why we have open opportunities. And if any of our men do something that they are not supposed to, we always appeal, please, report to us, we will take action,” he assured.
Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa also stressed the need for stronger border management, proposing the physical fencing of Nigeria’s frontiers as a measure to curb illegal migration and cross-border criminal activities.
He called on political leaders to provide decisive and visionary leadership, assuring that the armed forces are fully prepared to enforce sound policies and national decisions aimed at enhancing security.
Speaking on behalf of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Euphraim Usman, reinforced the message of community responsibility. He noted that sustainable peace must be “locally owned and locally driven,” urging communities to take an active role in peacebuilding initiatives.
Senator Simon Bako, representing Plateau South Senatorial District, underscored the need for robust local government autonomy. He argued that without true independence, local authorities would remain constrained in their ability to effectively address and respond to rising insecurity.
Africa Today News, New York
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