JUST IN : Defence Minister Warns Terror Sponsors says A Friend of A Thief is a Thief 

 

 

 

By OGB Joseph, Abuja 

 

 

 

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa ( rtd) has declared that individuals aiding terrorists and criminal groups across the country would be treated as enemies of the state, warning that insecurity can only end when Nigerians stop providing support and intelligence to criminals.

 

 

Speaking at the official launch of Haam Legal Consult Services, the minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering commitment towards restoring peace and security nationwide through continuous support for the Armed Forces.

 

 

According to him, Nigeria is collaborating with the United States and other “peace-loving nations” to tackle terrorism and violent crimes, stressing that security agencies are recording major victories against criminal elements.

 

 

“Nobody is sleeping. We are staying awake to ensure that Nigeria is safe,” he declared.

The minister, however, insisted that the battle against insecurity cannot be won by the military alone, describing the crisis as “a Nigerian challenge” that requires collective action from citizens.

 

 

He accused some Nigerians of secretly aiding terrorists with logistics, information and other forms of support, warning that such collaboration has prolonged insecurity in the country.

 

 

“If all Nigerians today say no more support to them, these terrorists, I can tell you within a month all these things will clear,” he said.

In one of the strongest warnings yet from the Federal Government, the minister declared: “A friend of a thief is a thief. If we catch you supporting them, we will treat you as one of them.”

 

 

He revealed that several terrorist commanders had recently been neutralised in ongoing military operations, adding that security forces were making significant progress despite lingering challenges in some parts of the country.

 

 

The minister also called on the media to report security issues responsibly and patriotically, warning against glorifying criminal activities in ways that could embolden terrorists.

 

 

“If the country fails, I don’t think you will have anywhere to stand to make your reports,” he cautioned journalists.

Speaking further at the event, the minister underscored the importance of law and order in national development, describing the rule of law as the foundation that separates organised societies from chaos.

 

 

He said no nation can attract serious investors without a functional legal system capable of protecting rights, enforcing contracts and guaranteeing justice.

 

 

The minister commended the founders of Haama Legal Consult Services for establishing a platform that would provide legal support and promote justice in society, particularly among young Nigerians.

 

 

“I am very happy to see very young Nigerians taking the bold steps of ensuring they have this kind of consult where they can offer services to Nigerians and other people living in Nigeria,” he said.

 

 

Ahead of the country’s election season, the minister urged Nigerians to reject politicians with “criminal minds” and support leaders with genuine passion for national development.

 

 

“We want good leaders that truly love the country and have passion for Nigeria,” he said.

 

 

He warned citizens against selling their future for temporary financial inducements during elections.

 

 

“Don’t allow anybody to use you. They will give you peanuts to sell your peace or your future,” he added.

 

 

The minister maintained that Nigeria’s transformation depends largely on purposeful leadership and active citizen participation in governance.

 

 

Responding, Barr.Aliyu Anas SA Legal to HMOD and principal partner of the HAAM legal consult noted that the law firm offers wide range of legal services to Nigerians. 

 

According to him, ” I am very happy amd glad that the Minister of Defence has commissioned this law firm today. It shows that the Minister respect the law in the country..He is a man that doesn’t run away from anything that bothers on law. 

 

” He only wants collaboration with the security and law. And that is why he is happy coming to commission this law firm. 

It is a history event that we will never forget”, he said. 

 

 

On his closeness working with the Minister to achieve sustainable security for all considering recent feat that the military achieve in the fight against terrorism, Maigoro said : ” You know the issue of security is a business that every Nigerian has a role to play. It is not one man’s job..

 

” That is why there is need for collaboration because it is very paramount.  The minister is dedicated to truth. He is committed to the fight. And we can see from his actions. His main intention is to clear out this criminals from their hideout. Every Nigerian must offer credible information on how to locate and dealt with these elements.  

 

 

” They don’t want our good, and we must not give them the opportunity. If you see something you should say something. Because under Section 23 of the 1999 constitution, it is a duty imposed on everybody to contribute to how to to end this particular insecurity in the country”, the SSA noted.