Defence Minister Warns Terrorists and Sponsors of Same Fate on the Battlefield

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has issued a stern warning to terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and their sponsors, declaring that anyone found aiding criminal groups will face the same fate as them on the battlefield. The warning was delivered on Saturday during activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, an annual event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes and recognising the sacrifices of serving military personnel.

Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister said the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to defending the country’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity. He stressed that security challenges facing the nation require collective responsibility and that civilians who knowingly provide support to criminal elements are contributing to the insecurity plaguing many parts of the country.

 In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), General Musa highlighted the consistent support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Armed Forces, noting that the president has provided both moral and operational backing. According to him, the president has given the military a clear mandate to restore peace across Nigeria and ensure that citizens can live and work without fear.

The Defence Minister warned that Nigerians who offer logistical, financial, or intelligence support to terrorists and bandits must desist immediately. Using a popular proverb, he said, “The friend of a thief is a thief,” making it clear that anyone found associating with criminals during military operations would be treated as an enemy.

He also urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities. General Musa said national security is a shared responsibility and that timely information from the public could help prevent attacks and save lives, while also strengthening trust between civilians and the military.