President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that his administration will neither negotiate with kidnappers nor pay ransom for the release of abducted victims, saying such concessions would embolden terrorists and criminal gangs.
The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking on the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Tinubu said the Federal Government rejected demands by the kidnappers for ransom and the release of detained members of their criminal network.
“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs who had already been arrested. That was one of their conditions, apart from the money they were looking for, and we said, ‘No deal.'”
He said the government remained committed to defeating terrorism and banditry by strengthening the country’s security architecture.
According to the President, the military is expanding from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and enhance operations against criminal groups.
“We refuse to pay ransom. We know the geography of the forests. We know what it is, and in response to it, you have seen that we are moving from eight divisions to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the teeth needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry.”
Tinubu also disclosed that some of the criminal groups operating in Nigeria include foreign nationals, adding that insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger has worsened security challenges in the region.
He reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying the proposed system would include safeguards against abuse while giving traditional rulers greater roles in community security.
The President added that the Federal Government was strengthening the capacity of forest guards to combat criminal activities in forests.
“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase criminals and deal with them in the forests.”
Tinubu stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
He also pledged to hold regular consultations with traditional rulers across the country to receive their recommendations on governance and security.
Commending the armed forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation in Oriire, the President said the country’s security situation was improving despite ongoing challenges.
The rescue followed the abduction of 44 pupils and teachers during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where they spent 56 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.
Following the operation, three suspects were sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to concealing information about the masterminds and belonging to Darul Salam, an affiliate of the Ansaru terrorist group. Five other suspects are currently facing terrorism, kidnapping and murder charges, with the case adjourned until September 24.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft to strengthen intelligence gathering and support security operations across the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde said the aircraft, acquired in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, would improve aerial surveillance and rapid response to security threats.
Author
