Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has raised fresh concerns over the role of local informants and collaborators in sustaining terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country, warning that the battle against insecurity cannot be won by security agencies alone.
The minister made the remarks during the 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria, where he spoke extensively on the evolving security challenges confronting the nation and the urgent need for greater cooperation between citizens and security institutions.
According to Musa, terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal networks continue to survive largely because they receive support from individuals living within communities where these criminals operate. He noted that while the military has recorded significant successes in recent months, the activities of local collaborators remain a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace and stability.
The Defence Minister explained that many criminal groups depend on informants for critical intelligence, including information about troop movements, planned military operations and the activities of security personnel. Such information, he said, often enables terrorists and bandits to evade arrest, relocate their camps and launch attacks against both civilians and security forces.
His comments come amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating across different regions of Nigeria.
For more than a decade, Nigeria has battled multiple security threats ranging from insurgency in the North East to banditry and kidnapping in the North West and North Central regions. Several communities have also faced attacks by armed groups, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property.
Musa stressed that criminals cannot operate successfully without local support structures. Beyond intelligence gathering, he revealed that some informants provide food, shelter, transportation, communication channels and financial assistance to terrorist groups.
According to him, these forms of support strengthen criminal organisations and make it more difficult for security agencies to neutralise threats.
He noted that many of the individuals assisting terrorists are motivated by financial gains, personal relationships or fear of reprisals from criminal groups. However, he warned that anyone aiding terrorists, regardless of the reason, contributes directly to insecurity and should be regarded as part of the problem.
The Defence Minister emphasised that national security should not be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of the military, police or intelligence agencies.
Rather, he described security as a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every Nigerian.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, community associations and civil society groups to play a more proactive role in identifying suspicious activities and reporting criminal elements within their localities.
According to security analysts, intelligence gathering remains one of the most effective weapons in modern counterterrorism operations.
Unlike conventional warfare, insurgent groups often blend into civilian populations, making it difficult for security forces to distinguish criminals from ordinary residents without credible information from local communities.
Experts say residents are often the first to notice unusual movements, suspicious gatherings or the presence of unfamiliar individuals in their areas. Such information can prove crucial in preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks before they strike.
However, fear remains a major challenge.
Many residents in conflict-prone areas are reluctant to provide information because they fear retaliation from armed groups. Others worry that sensitive information may be leaked, exposing them to danger.
To address these concerns, Musa reiterated the government’s commitment to improving intelligence mechanisms and protecting individuals who cooperate with security agencies.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration among the Armed Forces, intelligence services, police and other security institutions.
In recent years, Nigeria’s security architecture has increasingly relied on intelligence-led operations, surveillance technology and coordinated military actions to combat insurgency and organised crime.
Military authorities have repeatedly reported successes in eliminating terrorist commanders, destroying hideouts and rescuing kidnapped victims. Despite these achievements, security experts acknowledge that the persistence of local support networks continues to pose significant challenges.
Musa further warned against the spread of misinformation and propaganda, particularly through social media platforms.
According to him, false narratives and unverified reports can undermine security operations, create panic among citizens and sometimes serve the interests of criminal groups.
He urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and to rely on credible sources when discussing security-related matters.
The minister’s remarks have reignited discussions about community policing, local intelligence networks and the importance of public trust in security institutions.
Many observers believe that strengthening relationships between communities and law enforcement agencies will be critical in addressing Nigeria’s long-term security challenges.
Stakeholders have also called for greater investment in education, economic opportunities and social development programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
Experts argue that poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities often create conditions that criminal groups exploit to recruit members and gain support within vulnerable communities.
While acknowledging the complexity of Nigeria’s security situation, Musa expressed confidence that the country can overcome its challenges through unity, vigilance and sustained cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
He reassured Nigerians that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and criminal organisations operating across the country.
As Nigeria continues its fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, the Defence Minister’s warning serves as a reminder that lasting peace will require more than military action alone.
Success, he said, depends on the willingness of communities to reject criminality, support lawful institutions and provide the information needed to prevent attacks before they occur.
For many Nigerians, the message is clear: defeating insecurity is a shared responsibility, and every citizen has a role to play in safeguarding the nation’s future.
