The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has urged state governors to stop distributing motorcycles as palliatives, warning that the vehicles could eventually find their way into the hands of terrorists and aid their operations.
Musa made the appeal on Thursday while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed Nigeria’s security situation and the ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and other forms of criminality.
According to the Defence Minister, motorcycles provide terrorists with a significant mobility advantage, particularly in difficult terrains where they can move quickly, enter communities and evade security forces.
“We try to appeal to even governors to stop giving motorcycles out as palliatives because these motorcycles are still the same ones that will end up with these terrorists,” Musa said.
He, however, suggested that governors who insist on distributing motorcycles as part of empowerment or palliative programmes should consider giving out smaller-capacity motorcycles instead of high-capacity models.
“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,” he added.
Musa explained that the speed and mobility offered by motorcycles make them particularly useful to terrorists operating in remote areas.
He also extended the warning to lawmakers, saying motorcycles distributed to residents could eventually be diverted to criminal groups.
The minister further disclosed that security agencies had identified illegal markets and illicit motor parks as routes allegedly used by terrorists to move weapons and ammunition into areas where they operate.
“What we realise from experience is they establish illegal markets or illicit motor parks. They go to those motor parks; that’s where they move arms and ammunition into those areas,” he said.
Nigeria’s Security Situation
Speaking on the broader security situation, Musa maintained that Nigeria had recorded significant improvements in the fight against terrorism under President Bola Tinubu.
He said attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were no longer occurring as frequently as they did in previous years.
According to him, sustained military pressure has forced terrorist groups to shift from large-scale attacks towards kidnapping and abductions, which he described as an easier way for criminals to raise funds.
Musa also said troops were increasingly entering terrorist enclaves and rescuing abducted victims.
The minister stressed that strengthening local governments was also important in the fight against insecurity, arguing that ineffective local administration could worsen security challenges in communities.
His comments come amid continued efforts by federal and state authorities to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
