The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has warned Nigerians and individuals still supporting terrorists, bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements to desist immediately, saying the Federal Government will no longer tolerate such actions.
Musa said on Saturday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given the Armed Forces and other security agencies a clear mandate to go after anyone aiding or abetting criminal activities in the country.
The minister gave the warning while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Tournament held at the TYB Golf Resort and Country Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja.
“I call on all Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies and work for peace. Those who are still supporting bandits, criminals, insurgents and terrorists must stop,” he said.
According to him, anyone found collaborating with criminals in conflict areas would face the same consequences as the perpetrators themselves.
“They say the friend of a thief is a thief. If we get to the battlefield and you are found among them, whatever happens to them will also happen to you. It is therefore important for good Nigerians to provide the necessary information to security agencies,” Musa warned.
The defence minister said the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day was not only to honour fallen heroes, but also to celebrate serving personnel and reassure Nigerians of the military’s commitment to peace and stability.
“The significance is to ensure that members of the Armed Forces are not forgotten, that we appreciate all the sacrifices they have made, including those who paid the ultimate price and their families,” he said.
Musa added that the President had consistently supported and encouraged the Armed Forces in the discharge of their constitutional duties, expressing confidence that peace would be achieved through collective efforts.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reiterated that President Tinubu had given the Armed Forces a clear mandate to ensure peace and security across the country.
He urged Nigerians to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“If you see something, say something, so action can be taken. The Armed Forces are always ready to respond,” Oluyede said.
The CDS thanked Nigerians for their continued support, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.
“We appreciate what the Armed Forces have done and what they are doing, but we need more support to achieve the mandate given to us. It is not easy to sacrifice your life so others can live, and we will continue to do our best to improve their welfare,” he said.
Earlier, the Captain of the TYB Golf Club, Brig.-Gen. Nichols Ashinze, said the golf tournament was one of several activities lined up to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.