Defence Minister Warns Against Motorcycle Palliatives, Cites Terrorism Risk
Defence Minister Gen Christopher Musa (retd) urged state governors and lawmakers to stop giving motorcycles as palliatives, warning the vehicles could be diverted to terrorists and used to support their operations. He made the appeal during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Thursday, discussing the Federal Government's anti-terrorism efforts and the challenges security agencies face. Musa explained that motorcycles give terrorists an edge because they can navigate difficult terrain, move rapidly and escape security operatives. He noted that even if palliatives must be provided, only small‑capacity bikes should be given, as big‑capacity ones provide terrorists the leverage to enter and disappear quickly. He also cautioned lawmakers against distributing motorcycles through constituency projects, saying the bikes often end up with bandits and terrorists. The minister added that security agencies have identified illegal markets and motor parks as routes allegedly used by terrorists to transport weapons and ammunition into their operating areas. He stressed the need to stop such flows and to identify these illicit markets. Will governors reconsider motorcycle palliatives and opt for alternative aid that does not risk diversion to terrorists, or will they insist on small‑capacity bikes if any distribution proceeds?