Terrorists And Bandits Survives Around People - Minister Of Defense, General Christopher Musa

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has raised concerns about the factors making the fight against terrorism and banditry increasingly difficult in the country.

Speaking in a video shared by Channels Television on Friday, June 12, 2026, the military chief suggested that some members of the public may be indirectly contributing to the survival and operations of criminal groups.

General Musa noted that terrorists and bandits do not operate in isolation but often exist within communities, relying on the support, silence, or cooperation of people living around them. 

According to him, this reality has continued to complicate efforts by security agencies to completely eliminate the threats posed by such groups.

While addressing the issue, the Defence Chief questioned why terrorism has remained a persistent challenge despite ongoing military operations across different parts of the country. 

He argued that the answer may lie in the relationship between the criminals and some members of the communities where they operate.

In his words, "Why does it seem so difficult to deal with terrorism, perhaps we have the people that are also encouraging these things, because the terrorists, the bandits survives around the people."