…says ransom payments must end, no dialogue with terrorists
…military checkpoints to be reduced as troops refocus on field operations
By Sodiq Adelakun
Minister-designate and immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Tuesday told the Senate that Nigeria will continue to struggle with insecurity unless the country adopts a single, unified national database that captures every citizen and connects all identity and security platforms.
Speaking during his ministerial screening in Abuja, Musa said Nigeria’s scattered data systems remain one of the biggest weaknesses in the nation’s security structure. He noted that separate databases run by immigration, quarantine and several other agencies create loopholes criminals easily exploit.
According to him, “We urgently need one national database. Not a situation where immigration has its own and quarantine has another. Once someone commits a crime, tracking and tracing that person should be straightforward. In other countries, authorities can instantly block bank accounts or all digital access — we must reach that level.”
He explained that improved ICT integration across security agencies would transform investigations by allowing instant tracking of ransom payments, suspicious transactions and criminal networks.
Musa maintained a firm position against negotiating with terrorists, insisting that government at any level must stop ransom payments completely.
He stressed: “There is no negotiation with any criminal. Paying ransom only strengthens terrorists. It gives them time to regroup, rearm and prepare for new attacks. Even communities that negotiated were still attacked afterwards.”
He added that Nigeria’s banking system already has the capacity to monitor illicit financial flows if fully utilised.
The retired general reminded lawmakers that military operations represent only 25 to 30 per cent of the effort needed to end insecurity. He argued that poverty, illiteracy, poor governance and weak local government systems continue to fuel criminality.
He urged state and local government leaders to take responsibility for community-level intelligence, warning that security agencies cannot bear the entire burden.
Musa also criticised Nigeria’s slow-paced justice system, noting that endless delays in terrorism and kidnapping trials discourage troops who risk their lives to make arrests.
“In some countries, terrorism cases are concluded quickly. Here, cases drag for years. It dampens the morale of those fighting on the frontline,” he said.
He called for urgent reforms including special terrorism courts, tougher penalties and expedited hearings.
Musa warned of fresh security threats along maritime routes from Akwa Ibom to Cameroon, revealing that sea robbery, piracy and coastal kidnappings were resurging.
He confirmed that Operation Delta Safe has now extended its operations to newly troubled areas.
He also demanded a total ban on illegal mining, describing it as a major financial source for armed groups in forest regions across the country.
The minister-designate announced plans to scale back routine military checkpoints nationwide, saying troops would be redeployed to forests and ungoverned spaces for more effective operations.
He emphasised that reopening farmlands and securing agricultural communities remain key priorities. “A hungry man is an angry man. Protecting farmers means protecting the nation,” he said.
Musa disclosed that although more than 70,000 Nigerians apply to join the military each year, many new recruits are reluctant to serve in high-risk areas.
He insisted that a unified national database would also help in screening applicants and eliminating recruitment fraud.
On expectations surrounding his nomination, Musa said he understands the weight of responsibility placed on him.
“I cannot afford to fail my nation or my family. Nigerians want peace, and we must deliver it,” he added.
