The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has dismissed claims that the Nigerian government is paying salaries to terrorists, describing the allegation as completely false.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Musa said individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences are being prosecuted according to the law and not rewarded in any form.
According to him, several suspects linked to terrorist activities have already been convicted and sent to prison in recent weeks.
The minister stressed that the government remains committed to fighting insecurity while also ensuring that innocent civilians are not wrongly targeted during military operations.
Musa explained that although many Nigerians are angry over the activities of terrorists and bandits, the government must still follow legal procedures and human rights standards in handling suspects.
He noted that rehabilitation programmes are being carried out for some individuals, but insisted this does not mean terrorists are receiving salaries or special treatment from the government.
“We are not rewarding terrorism or criminal activities in any way,” he said, adding that such an action would make no sense for the country.
He also revealed that the Attorney General’s office is handling the prosecution of many suspects currently facing terrorism-related charges.