Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa issued a strong warning to Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other individuals he described as sympathizers of terrorists and bandits to cease offering any form of support, either overtly or covertly, to criminal groups threatening national security.
He gave the warning during an official visit to Maiduguri on Wednesday.
He maintained that terrorism and banditry should never be framed as expressions of regional, ethnic, or religious solidarity., stressing the detrimental impact of such justifications and emphasizing that criminal behavior should not be excused under any circumstances.
Gumi
“A friend of a thief is a thief “Musa said, stressing the point that it is essential for Nigerians to reject narratives that legitimize or excuse criminal activity.
The Minister seemed to respond directly to Sheikh Gumi, who has called bandits in the forests “our brothers” and said society could not function without them. Musa stressed that while it is important to care for victims of violence, empathy should not mean supporting wrongdoing.
He warned that these kinds of statements encourage criminal groups, which have harmed communities, forced families to leave their homes, and caused many innocent deaths.
Musa also said terrorism depends not just on weapons, but on support through words and attitudes.
He said anyone who defends, excuses, or protects criminals whether by speaking up, using their influence, or staying silent should be held responsible for what happens as a result.
The Defence Minister pointed out that Nigeria cannot fight terrorism and banditry effectively if people blur the lines between victims and criminals with sympathetic stories.
He repeated that staying neutral is not an option for national security, and Nigerians must decide whether to support the law or allow crime.
“The choice is clear,” Musa emphasized. “Stand with the law and the nation, or be counted among those enabling criminality.”
