Nigeria’s Defence Minister, retired Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, has strongly cautioned Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and others against portraying bandits as part of a “northern brotherhood.”.In a statement on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Gen. Musa said, “A friend of a thief is a thief,” emphasizing that no individual or group should support terrorists or criminals in any form.
He explained that his warning is deliberate, responding to comments by Sheikh Gumi, who recently referred to bandits hiding in the forests as “our brothers” and suggested that society cannot exist without them.
Gen. Musa stressed that showing compassion for criminals is not the same as excusing their actions. While empathy has its place, framing violent bandits as “brothers” risks normalizing terrorism, empowering criminal networks, and undermining efforts to restore security to affected communities.
“Words matter in the fight against terrorism.
“Excusing, defending, or shielding criminals, whether through speech, influence, or silence, makes one complicit in the harm they cause”, the Defence Minister said
He warned that neutrality in matters of national security is unacceptable. Nigeria cannot defeat banditry and terrorism while rhetoric blurs the line between perpetrators and victims. Gen. Musa concluded that the choice is clear – support the rule of law and national security, or risk being counted among those enabling crime.
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