Ndume Backs Defence Minister: 'Shoot Terrorists on Sight' – No More Negotiations
ABUJA — Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has thrown his full weight behind the Defence Minister's order for the military to shoot terrorists and bandits on sight. In a bold statement after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Ndume made it clear: sustained military pressure, not talks or concessions, is the only way to crush insecurity in Nigeria.
Ndume, who represents Borno South, also rejected any plan to reintegrate repentant terrorists into society. He called for those who aid criminal groups to be treated as accomplices. This is a no-nonsense stance that resonates with many Nigerians tired of endless banditry and terror.
Why Ndume Says the Military Strategy Is Working
Ndume pointed to recent military successes as proof that the offensive is gaining ground. He cited the elimination of key terrorist leaders, the surrender of several commanders, and improved security in the North-East and South-East. 'If the tempo is kept, I'm sure this thing will come to an end,' he told journalists.
The ranking lawmaker argued that insurgent groups are steadily losing ground under sustained offensives. He stressed that terrorists and bandits deserve no leniency. 'You don't spare a bandit. You don't spare a terrorist. Once you identify a terrorist, because if you don't kill him, he will kill you,' Ndume said.
Defence Minister's Shoot-on-Sight Order Stands Firm
Recall that Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd) recently told soldiers at the front line not to wait for any order when confronting terrorists and bandits. The minister vowed that the government will neither negotiate with terrorists nor tolerate ransom payments. Such concessions, he argued, only embolden criminal groups and prolong insecurity.
Ndume backed this hardline approach fully. He said sustained military pressure remains the surest path to ending insecurity. This aligns with the growing sentiment across Nigeria that soft approaches have failed.
President Tinubu Is 'Sitting Up' on Security
Ndume revealed that his meeting with President Tinubu centered on security and the economy, describing both as Nigeria's most urgent challenges. He praised the President for convening a security meeting with service chiefs before receiving him. 'I had an appointment for 3 pm, but I had to wait because the President was in a security meeting. As you can see, the service chiefs came in. That means the President is sitting up,' he said.
Ndume also acknowledged improvements in the South-East, where separatist-related violence has declined significantly. 'The South-East issue is not as before, and that is one area where we need to commend the President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Army and other security agencies for what they are doing,' he said.
Regional Security Trust Fund: A Step Forward
Ndume welcomed the decision by 19 Northern governors to establish a regional security trust fund. He described it as a positive step towards strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and states. 'You don't leave security entirely to the Federal Government. If the governors are contributing resources, they should work with existing security institutions. The more coordinated the effort, the stronger the response,' he said.
Ndume's Advice to Tinubu: Talk to Nigerians Directly
Beyond security, Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to intensify efforts to cushion economic hardship. He called for better coordination of interventions to reduce the cost of living. 'We have all it takes. It is just that we need to coordinate our efforts. Once Nigerians see the efforts of the government, they will appreciate them,' he said.
Ndume also advised President Tinubu to engage Nigerians more directly through regular national addresses. 'I told Mr. President that he should speak directly to Nigerians. People expect their leader to tell them what is going on instead of leaving others to speak on his behalf. That is very important,' he said.
The President welcomed his suggestions and agreed to hold regular consultations on national issues. Ndume stressed that solving Nigeria's multifaceted challenges requires contributions from a broad range of stakeholders. 'A country like Nigeria must have problems, and the President alone cannot solve all the problems. He needs people that can share ideas with him because two heads are better than one,' Ndume said.
FAQ: What You Need to Know
What did Ndume say about the Defence Minister's shoot-on-sight order?
Ndume fully backed the order, arguing that sustained military pressure is the only way to end insecurity. He said terrorists and bandits deserve no leniency.
Why does Ndume oppose reintegrating repentant terrorists?
He believes that reintegration emboldens criminal groups and prolongs insecurity. He called for those who aid criminal groups to be treated as accomplices.
What evidence does Ndume cite for military success?
He pointed to the elimination of key terrorist leaders, surrender of commanders, and improved security in the North-East and South-East.
What did Ndume advise President Tinubu on communication?
He urged the President to speak directly to Nigerians through regular national addresses to strengthen public confidence in government policies.