Kehinde Fajobi
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has cautioned citizens in conflict-prone areas against engaging in any form of trade or transaction with terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors, describing such activities as sabotage against military efforts.
Speaking on Wednesday after visiting patients at the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre during the Christmas celebration, which also marked his birthday, Musa lamented the role of some individuals in aiding insecurity.
“I want to also call on those few ones who think they are making money by trading with those terrorists and bandits. Those terrorists and bandits have no respect for anybody,” he said.
Musa added, “Once you think you are trading with them, they are going to come after you. If they don’t come after you, they will come after either your relations — your brother, your sister, your wife, or your husband.
“So, please, nobody should trade with those guys. If we do not encourage them, if we do not trade with them, they will not survive.”
The CDS expressed regret that terrorism was not tackled at its onset, which allowed it to escalate.
“The mistakes that were made in the past when this thing (terrorism/banditry) started was that we did not nip it in the bud. We allowed it to get to where it is. But thank God everybody is putting hands together,” he said.
He commended Nigerians for their prayers, cooperation, and information-sharing, which he said have contributed to the ongoing fight against insecurity.
Musa assured that the military is committed to ensuring a peaceful 2025.
“Since we started to where we are today, there is a remarkable improvement in the security situation, and we are going to take that further.
“Next year is defining, which means we will do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria is peaceful,” he stated.
He urged continued collaboration with citizens, saying, “It’s not automatic, but I know if we have the cooperation of Nigerians, that is possible because God is always with us. We are going to make sure that Nigeria is better for everyone.”