President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s policy of refusing to negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom for the release of abducted victims, insisting that such concessions would only embolden terrorists and criminal groups.
The President made the remarks on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“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. It is very necessary, and we are doing so,” he said.
Speaking on the rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Tinubu disclosed that the kidnappers demanded both ransom and the release of detained members of their criminal network, conditions the Federal Government declined.
“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.’
“We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder, and we were ready to finish with them. They have families and members of their own communities. Some of them are non-Nigerians. You see… the problem of insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic is adding more fuel to our challenges,” the President stated.
Tinubu congratulated the people of Oyo State on the successful rescue operation and commended the armed forces for their efforts.
He revealed that the Federal Government is strengthening the country’s security framework by increasing military formations from eight to 12 divisions to improve operational efficiency and reduce response time to security threats.
The President also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, noting that the proposed system would include safeguards to prevent abuse while allowing traditional rulers to contribute more actively to grassroots security.
“We have equally embarked upon what was missing for several decades because of fears and uncertainty about what to do about security at the local level. We will be corrected. There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails against abuse. We will protect it from abuse, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play.
“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,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of intelligence gathering, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities.
“It is very important to let you know that intelligence is very important, and I want you to take it to our people to be extra vigilant, to look at things critically, know their neighbourhoods, know their areas and report strange people.
“As we emphasise the question of security, each event teaches us new methods. It opens our eyes and challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategy, our map and our operations. You will have seen that we are giving a geographical and numerical answer to these challenges,” he said.
The President noted that growing insecurity in neighbouring countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, has increased security pressures on Nigeria, making it necessary to strengthen forest guards and establish state police.
Tinubu also pledged to hold regular consultations with traditional rulers nationwide to seek their advice on governance and security.
“I will be calling meetings of many of our traditional leaders to listen to you and receive your suggestions. Throughout the country, I will do that.
“The immediate challenge is monumental. It is not an easy job, but I asked for the job and I got it. You gave me the support, and I have to do it. I accept the assets and liabilities of that mandate. I am glad you are here. I congratulate you on the peace and stability of the region and the state.
“I can tell you the security challenge is getting better. We are getting a much better handle on it. Any time you come across some of our soldiers and police officers, please pat them on the back and say thank you. They are doing a good job. It is a big challenge,” the President noted.
He further urged state governors to channel increased federal allocations into projects that enhance security, infrastructure and connectivity across their states.
Tinubu’s remarks come weeks after security operatives rescued the 44 pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area after they spent 56 days in captivity.
Following the rescue, three suspects connected to the incident were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja after pleading guilty to concealing information about the masterminds and belonging to Darul Salam, an affiliate of the Ansaru terrorist group.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has also arraigned five additional suspects on charges of terrorism, kidnapping and murder, with the matter adjourned until September 24.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has intensified its security efforts with the arrival of two surveillance aircraft acquired to boost intelligence gathering and aerial operations.
Governor Seyi Makinde said the aircraft, procured in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, have already proven useful in addressing security challenges, including the Oriire abduction, and will now be fully deployed to support security agencies and strengthen rapid response operations across the state.
