Defence Minister Reveals Security Risk Behind Motorcycle Palliatives, Urges Governors to Stop Distribution

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.

Musa raised the concern during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, September 3, while discussing Nigeria’s security situation.

According to the minister, motorcycles can provide terrorists with greater mobility because of their ability to navigate areas that may be difficult for larger vehicles to access.

He therefore advised governors to reconsider the distribution of motorcycles as part of their palliative programmes.

Musa said that where governments still decide to distribute motorcycles, they should consider low-capacity models rather than larger motorcycles.

The Defence Minister explained that high-capacity motorcycles could provide terrorists with an advantage if they gain access to them, particularly because the vehicles can facilitate rapid movement.

His comments come amid continuing efforts by the government and security agencies to address terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity across the country.

Musa also said Nigeria’s security situation has improved, noting that attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, are no longer occurring as frequently as they did previously.

However, he said the nature of the security challenge has shifted, with kidnapping and abduction becoming more prominent.

According to Musa, criminals have increasingly resorted to kidnapping as a means of raising money.

The minister also stressed the importance of effective local government administration, linking the proper functioning of local governments to efforts to tackle insecurity.