The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has stated that the battle against terrorism, banditry and insurgency remains challenging because criminal groups continue to receive support from sponsors and individuals within local communities.
Speaking at the 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria, a national discourse organised to mark Democracy Day, Musa explained that armed groups are able to sustain their operations through networks of supporters who provide them with critical assistance.
According to the Defence Minister, terrorists and bandits rely on local collaborators for food, water, intelligence and other forms of logistical support that enable them to evade security operations and continue their activities.
He noted that these support systems serve as the lifeline for criminal networks, making it difficult for security agencies to completely eliminate the threat despite ongoing military operations.
Musa questioned the sources of funding and intelligence available to the criminal groups, stressing that such assistance often comes from individuals living within affected communities.
The Defence Minister further explained that modern security threats differ significantly from conventional warfare, as insurgents and bandits operate within civilian environments rather than on clearly defined battlefields.
He said this form of asymmetric warfare presents unique challenges that cannot be resolved solely through military action.
Musa therefore called for greater public cooperation with security agencies, emphasizing that intelligence provided by residents remains one of the most effective tools in combating insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to view insecurity as a collective national challenge rather than a problem for the military alone, encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
According to him, long-term peace and stability can only be achieved when communities actively deny criminal groups the support, information and resources they depend on to survive.
