…Says Arrested bandits, Oil Thieves Often Regain Freedom
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has blamed Nigeria’s weak and slow-paced judicial system for frustrating military operations and worsening insecurity across the country.
Speaking during a Channels Television interview, Musa lamented that the inability of the courts to speedily prosecute terrorism, banditry, and organised crime cases was demoralising troops and emboldening criminals.
He decried situations where soldiers risk their lives to arrest high-profile suspects only for them to be released on technical grounds or handed minor penalties.
“When people know they can get away with anything, impunity sets in and that is critical. You risk your life, make an arrest, and then tomorrow you hear the person is released. Do you think that soldier will be ready to sacrifice himself to make arrests again?” Musa asked.
The defence chief cited incidents in the Niger Delta where seized oil vessels used for illegal bunkering were returned to operators after token fines.
According to him, the military has since resorted to destroying such vessels to send a strong deterrent signal.
Musa urged the National Assembly to urgently review terrorism and organised crime laws to ensure speedier trials and stiffer punishments. He insisted that without stronger legislation, the military’s gains against insecurity could be reversed.
“We need to bundle it, make it faster and more stringent,” he said.
On external factors, Musa highlighted the inflow of arms and foreign fighters from crisis-ridden countries in the Sahel and North Africa, stressing the urgent need for tighter border security and stronger regional collaboration.
Despite the challenges, the defence chief noted that progress had been made in intelligence sharing, community engagement, and non-kinetic measures to weaken criminal networks.
He, however, warned that lasting security would remain elusive unless Nigeria’s legal framework matched the military’s sacrifices.
“There is never any country in the world that is crime-free. But with stronger laws, faster justice and the support of Nigerians, we can deny these groups the space to thrive,” Musa said.
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