“A Friend of a Thief Is a Thief,” Defence Minister Warns Gumi, Others Over Support for Bandits

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has cautioned Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and others against portraying bandits in northern Nigeria as part of the community.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Wednesday, General Musa stated, “A friend of a thief is a thief,” emphasizing that no form of support or justification should be extended to terrorists or criminal groups.

The minister’s statement responds directly to comments by Sheikh Gumi, who recently referred to bandits hiding in the bush as “our brothers,” suggesting society cannot function without them.

General Musa clarified that compassion must not be confused with complicity. While understanding social and economic conditions is important, framing violent actors as legitimate community members risks emboldening networks responsible for displacing families, destroying communities, and taking innocent lives.

Labeling bandits as “brothers,” he argued, neither reduces violence nor strengthens national security efforts. The Defence Minister stressed that terrorism feeds not just on weapons, but on moral and social cover. Those who excuse or shield criminal acts—through words or inaction—bear responsibility for the consequences.

“Neutrality is not an option in national security matters,” General Musa concluded, urging Nigerians to support the law and the nation rather than inadvertently enabling crime.