The Federal Government has reaffirmed that it does not pay ransom to ensure the release of kidnapped individuals, maintaining that military pressure and intelligence-led operations are the means by which victims are set free.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Defense Minister Christopher Musa clarified the situation amid the widespread perception that ransom payments are frequently made to gain the release of kidnapped victims, particularly youngsters.
The Federal Government does not engage in cash negotiations with kidnappers, Musa insisted.
“Ransom is not paid by the federal government. The federal government does not, even if others do. “We don’t pay ransom,” he declared.
He clarified that many rescues that are credited to ransom payments are actually the outcome of ongoing security measures.
People merely believe that the ransom has been paid. For instance, if kids are abducted from schools, soldiers enter the forest to put pressure on the bandits, forcing them to go away and leave the kids behind, after which we retrieve them. “Paying the ransom is not a problem,” Musa said.
Paying ransom simply serves to bolster criminal networks and encourage more kidnappings, the defense minister cautioned.
Additionally, we are against it because it will incite kidnapping for financial gain if it persists. We advise individuals to cease paying ransom because of this,” he stated.
Instead of confronting kidnappers, he advised families and communities impacted by kidnappings to swiftly report incidences to security services.
Musa continued, “If someone is abducted, they should report to the security agencies so that appropriate action can be taken.”
Additionally, Musa warned towns not to deal with bandits in any way, including by providing them supplies, food, or beverages.
He stated, “We constantly tell people to stop dealing with bandits and to stop selling food or drinks to them.”
Such transactions, according to him, are immoral and detrimental to national security.
He cautioned, “People should realize that if you sell food to them and they give you money, you are eating blood money, and that is not good.”
The minister also advised state governments not to negotiate peace agreements with bandits, characterizing them as dishonest and ineffective.
He used Katsina State as an example, pointing out that peace initiatives with armed groups in the state had been cautioned against by the federal government.
Musa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing peace back to the country, emphasizing that the best way to put an end to banditry is still through persistent military action, public cooperation, and intelligence sharing.
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