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President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that the Nigerian Government will not negotiate with criminals or pay ransom to secure the release of kidnap victims, warning that such concessions would only embolden terrorists and bandits.
Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President revealed that kidnappers demanded not only ransom but also the release of detained members of their criminal gang, a request the Nigerian Government rejected.
“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release members of their gang already in detention in addition to paying money, and we said, ‘No deal.’ We are not going to negotiate with criminals,” he said.
Tinubu said the Nigerian Government was strengthening the country’s security architecture by expanding military formations from eight to 12 divisions to improve response times and intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry.
He added that the security situation in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic had worsened Nigeria’s security challenges, with some criminal elements crossing into the country.
The President also reaffirmed his support for the establishment of state police, saying adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse while giving traditional rulers a greater role in grassroots security.
He said the Nigerian Government was enhancing the capacity of forest guards to pursue criminals operating in forests rather than limiting their responsibilities to wildlife protection.
Tinubu stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
According to him, every security incident provides lessons that help authorities review strategies and strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The President also pledged to engage traditional rulers across the country more frequently to seek their input on governance and security matters.
He congratulated Oyo State on the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area and commended the armed forces for their role in the operation.
Tinubu further urged state governors to channel increased federal allocations towards projects that enhance security and improve connectivity across their states.
