The Federal Government has reiterated its long-standing position that it does not pay ransom to secure the release of kidnapped victims, insisting that those rescued are freed through sustained military pressure and intelligence-driven operations.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), made the clarification during an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored in Kaduna, amid persistent public speculation that ransom payments are often made to free abducted persons, particularly schoolchildren.
“The Federal Government does not pay ransom. Even if others do, the Federal Government does not. We do not pay ransom,” Musa stated emphatically.
According to him, the rescue of abducted victims is usually the outcome of coordinated security operations that force criminals to abandon their captives.
“People only assume that ransom is paid. For instance, when children are kidnapped from schools, soldiers go into the forest, apply pressure on the bandits, and they flee, abandoning the children. That is how we recover them. There is no issue of paying ransom,” he said.
The defence minister warned that paying ransom only emboldens criminal gangs and fuels the cycle of kidnapping across the country.
“We oppose it because once it continues, it encourages people to kidnap for money. That is why we consistently advise people to stop paying ransom,” he added.
Musa urged families and communities to promptly report kidnapping incidents to security agencies instead of negotiating with abductors, stressing that cooperation with authorities is crucial for effective response.
“If someone is kidnapped, they should report to the security agencies so that proper action can be taken,” he said.
He also cautioned communities against any form of collaboration with bandits, including supplying them with food, drinks or other essentials.
“We keep telling people to stop dealing with bandits and to stop selling food or drinks to them,” the minister warned, describing such transactions as morally wrong and dangerous.
“What people should understand is that if you sell food to them and collect money, you are eating blood money, and that is not good,” he added.
The defence minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide, noting that sustained military operations, supported by credible intelligence from citizens, remain the most effective tools against banditry.
He also warned state governments against entering into peace deals or negotiations with armed groups, describing such arrangements as deceptive and counterproductive.
Citing Katsina State as an example, Musa said the Federal Government had previously cautioned against negotiating with bandits, stressing that the ultimate goal of the government is to ensure lasting peace and security across the country.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
