Defence Minister Issues Fresh Warning To Governors Over Motorcycle Palliatives

Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (Rtd.) has urged state governors to reconsider the distribution of motorcycles as palliatives, warning that high-capacity motorcycles could potentially be exploited by terrorists and criminal groups.

Musa made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday while discussing the country’s security situation and what he described as improvements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to the Defence Minister, motorcycles distributed through government palliative programmes and constituency projects could eventually fall into the hands of bandits and terrorists, who may use them to facilitate their activities.

He explained that security agencies had identified illicit markets and illegal motor parks as channels allegedly used by criminal elements to transport arms and ammunition into areas where they operate.

Musa therefore advised governors who intend to distribute motorcycles as part of assistance programmes to consider providing low-capacity models instead of powerful motorcycles that could give criminals greater mobility.

The minister said high-capacity motorcycles could provide terrorists with an advantage because of their ability to navigate difficult terrain, access remote locations and quickly escape after carrying out operations.

He stressed the need for government authorities to take security implications into consideration when designing palliative programmes, particularly in areas affected by banditry and terrorism.

Musa maintained that while interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians remain important, such initiatives should be structured in ways that prevent criminal elements from exploiting them to strengthen their operations.