Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa has asserted that there should be no negotiation with or ransom paid to terrorists, emphasizing that such actions only empower criminals. He highlighted the necessity of a unified national database to incorporate every citizen, linking it to security, banking, and identity systems.
Musa called upon state and local governments to take responsibility for community-level intelligence gathering and early intervention to address security threats. He criticized the slow pace of justice concerning terrorism and kidnapping cases, advocating for urgent legal reforms. These include the establishment of special terrorism courts and stronger penalties for such offenses.
Additionally, Musa stressed a total ban on illegal mining, which he identified as a significant source of funding for armed groups. He also announced plans to reduce military checkpoints and redeploy troops for targeted operations in areas such as forests and ungoverned regions.
His remarks come amidst rising concerns about national security and the effectiveness of current legal frameworks in addressing the challenges posed by terrorism and criminal activities.
