Tinubu: Nigeria Will Not Bargain With Criminals Or Pay Kidnappers' Ransom
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering stance against negotiating with kidnappers or paying ransom, insisting that criminals will not be rewarded for their actions.
The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu revealed that kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demanded both a ransom payment and the release of detained members of their gang. According to him, the government rejected all their conditions.
"We will not negotiate with criminals. They demanded money and also wanted us to free members of their gang already in detention, but we refused. There was no deal," the President said, adding that the suspects were responsible for serious crimes, including murder.
Addressing the country's security challenges, Tinubu noted that insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic has increased pressure on Nigeria's borders, making stronger security measures necessary.
To improve military operations, he announced plans to expand the Nigerian Army's operational structure from eight to 12 divisions, a move aimed at reducing response time and strengthening the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The President also reiterated his administration's commitment to establishing state police, explaining that the initiative would include safeguards to prevent abuse while giving traditional rulers a role in community security.
Tinubu further disclosed that the Federal Government is enhancing the capacity of forest guards to flush out criminal elements hiding in forests across the country, stressing that their responsibility extends beyond wildlife protection.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies, describing intelligence gathering as a critical weapon in the fight against insecurity.
In his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland commended the President's handling of the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, describing the refusal to negotiate with kidnappers as a significant step in tackling the menace.
Oba Ladoja said the government's firm position had restored public confidence and demonstrated that Nigeria would no longer negotiate from a position of weakness with criminal groups.
The monarch, however, advised the Federal Government to sustain security operations in the forest corridor linking Oyo, Kwara and Niger states to prevent criminals from regrouping after ongoing military operations.
He also praised the Tinubu administration for executing major infrastructure projects in Oyo State, noting that federal road projects valued at over ₦2 trillion would significantly improve transportation and economic activities in the region.
The President's comments come months after the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims regained their freedom after a joint intelligence-led operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes, while several suspects have since been convicted or are facing terrorism-related charges.
The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu revealed that kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demanded both a ransom payment and the release of detained members of their gang. According to him, the government rejected all their conditions.
"We will not negotiate with criminals. They demanded money and also wanted us to free members of their gang already in detention, but we refused. There was no deal," the President said, adding that the suspects were responsible for serious crimes, including murder.
Addressing the country's security challenges, Tinubu noted that insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic has increased pressure on Nigeria's borders, making stronger security measures necessary.
To improve military operations, he announced plans to expand the Nigerian Army's operational structure from eight to 12 divisions, a move aimed at reducing response time and strengthening the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The President also reiterated his administration's commitment to establishing state police, explaining that the initiative would include safeguards to prevent abuse while giving traditional rulers a role in community security.
Tinubu further disclosed that the Federal Government is enhancing the capacity of forest guards to flush out criminal elements hiding in forests across the country, stressing that their responsibility extends beyond wildlife protection.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies, describing intelligence gathering as a critical weapon in the fight against insecurity.
In his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland commended the President's handling of the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, describing the refusal to negotiate with kidnappers as a significant step in tackling the menace.
Oba Ladoja said the government's firm position had restored public confidence and demonstrated that Nigeria would no longer negotiate from a position of weakness with criminal groups.
The monarch, however, advised the Federal Government to sustain security operations in the forest corridor linking Oyo, Kwara and Niger states to prevent criminals from regrouping after ongoing military operations.
He also praised the Tinubu administration for executing major infrastructure projects in Oyo State, noting that federal road projects valued at over ₦2 trillion would significantly improve transportation and economic activities in the region.
The President's comments come months after the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims regained their freedom after a joint intelligence-led operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes, while several suspects have since been convicted or are facing terrorism-related charges.
