The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has called on state governors to immediately cease distributing motorcycles as palliative items, warning that these vehicles frequently fall into the hands of terrorists who utilize them for criminal operations.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Thursday, Musa explained that high-capacity motorcycles provide violent groups with a distinct tactical edge, allowing them to navigate rugged terrain, strike communities, and escape before security personnel can arrive.
“We try to appeal to any governor to stop giving out motorcycles as palliatives because these motorcycles are still the same ones that will end up with these terrorists. Even if you are to give, don’t give them the big capacity motorcycles, give them the small capacity ones that they won’t be able to use to run around because that gives them leverage. They can easily enter anywhere and then disappear at the same time,” he said.
Musa advised that if state authorities or constituency programs must distribute motorcycles, they should strictly opt for lower-capacity models to minimize any tactical advantage for insurgents. He emphasized the necessity of tracking the distribution networks and commercial channels through which these vehicles circulate. Security agencies have already pinpointed illicit motor parks and unregulated markets as primary conduits for smuggling weapons and logistics into operational zones, and tighter monitoring of these hubs remains crucial to dismantling criminal supply chains.
Reviewing the broader security landscape under President Bola Tinubu, the former Chief of Defence Staff asserted that national security has improved significantly, with large-scale insurgent incursions becoming far less frequent.
“I can tell you there is improved security. Maybe if you noticed, you don’t hear so much of Boko Haram attacks, ISWAP attacks and all these things here and there, maybe one off. Now I say, the trajectory is this, from criminality to kidnapping to terrorism, insurgency; once you are able to hit them it goes back downwards and so we are now back into the stage of abductions and kidnappings because that is the easiest way for them to try and raise money.”
He noted that military forces are actively penetrating terrorist hideouts to rescue abducted victims. He also highlighted the vital role of local governance, arguing that dysfunctional local government structures continue to fuel regional instability.
Addressing political concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections, Musa expressed confidence that ongoing security challenges would not undermine President Tinubu’s reelection bid. He also dismissed criticisms regarding his role on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign security team, maintaining that it would not compromise his official duties or professional neutrality.
“I am a professional, I will never succumb to that level (being partisan against opposition), Nigeria is my unit, whatever it takes to protect Nigeria that is what we stand for. We want a peaceful election, so we are going to work towards that and we are going to work with all the parties because that is why I am Minister of Defence, to ensure that every security force does what is right. So like I said, we are going to support INEC to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible because we want Nigeria to come out of all these election issues. We have gone past that.”
