The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), has issued a strong warning to Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and others he described as being sympathetic to bandits and terrorists, cautioning that any form of support—direct or indirect—amounts to complicity.
Speaking during an official visit to Maiduguri on Wednesday, Gen. Musa stressed that those involved in terrorism and banditry do not represent any ethnic, religious, or regional cause, describing such narratives as dangerous and misleading.
“A friend of a thief is a thief,” the Defence Minister warned, urging individuals and groups to desist from actions that could encourage or legitimise criminal violence.
SECURITY WARNING FROM THE DEFENCE MINISTER
Gen. Musa cautioned against providing overt or covert backing to criminal elements seeking to destabilise Nigeria, noting that sympathising with or justifying their actions only undermines national security efforts.
According to him, the Armed Forces remain focused on confronting security threats head-on, without romanticising or excusing criminality under the guise of dialogue or brotherhood.
GUMI AND THE CONTROVERSY
Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has faced sustained criticism in recent years for advocating negotiations with bandits, whom he once described as “angry people” capable of laying down arms if properly engaged.
He also previously condemned a US military airstrike in Sokoto targeting the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), warning that foreign military involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and threaten national sovereignty.
These positions have drawn sharp reactions from security experts and sections of the public who view them as soft on terrorism.
MILITARY CAPACITY BOOST
Gen. Musa’s remarks came as the Nigerian Army announced progress in strengthening manpower development with the construction of a new military training depot at Amasiri-Edda, covering parts of Afikpo and Edda local government areas in Ebonyi State.
The facility is expected to enhance troop training, readiness, and long-term security capacity.
The Defence Minister’s statement reinforces the government’s hardline stance against terrorism and banditry, signalling that sympathy or justification for such crimes will not be tolerated as Nigeria intensifies efforts to restore peace across troubled regions.
