You’ll face same fate on battlefield, Defence Minister warns terrorists, sponsors

The Nigerian Armed Forces have issued a strong warning to individuals aiding bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements, declaring that anyone found associating with them on the battlefield will be treated as an enemy.

The warning was issued during activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day on Saturday, as the military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity and territorial integrity.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by DejiAdesogan on Sunday, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), said that President Bola Tinubu has consistently stood by the Armed Forces.

“As you can see, the president has consistently stood up for the armed forces, supported the armed forces, encouraged us, and has given us a mandate for the armed forces to ensure that there is peace in Nigeria” Musa Said.

The minister warned Nigerians who offer support directly or indirectly to bandits, criminals, insurgents and terrorists to desist immediately, stressing that association with such elements carries grave consequences.

“Our call is for Nigerians, those that are still supporting those bandits, criminals, insurgents, terrorists, should stop, because they say the friend of a thief is a thief,” he stated.

“If we get to the battlefield and you are among them, then whatever happens to them happens to you.”

In a separate statement shared on X by the Defence Headquarters on Saturday, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, was reported to have expressed appreciation to the officers and men of the Armed Forces for their unwavering dedication, professionalism and sacrifice in ongoing operations to secure the country.

“He called for a stronger civil-military cooperation and sustained national unity to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria,” the statement read.

The military has appealed to law-abiding citizens to actively support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.

Musa, assuring that the Armed Forces are always ready to respond swiftly said, “For those good Nigerians, provide the necessary information. As quickly as you see something, say something, so that action should be taken.”

The statement comes amid intensified counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the country to curb insecurity, dismantle criminal networks and ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.