Defence Minister Asserts That FG Does Not Pay Ransom for Kidnapped Individuals

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its position that it does not pay ransom for individuals who have been kidnapped. Instead, it relies on military pressure and intelligence operations to secure their safe return.

In an interview conducted with BBC Hausa in Kaduna, Defence Minister Christopher Musa clarified this issue amid ongoing public beliefs that ransom payments are routinely made to release abductees, notably schoolchildren.

"The federal government does not pay ransom. Even if others may choose to do so, we do not. We do not pay ransom," Musa stated emphatically.

He highlighted that individuals who are rescued are typically freed following prolonged military operations. Musa explained, "People often assume that ransom is paid. For instance, when children are taken from schools, armed forces enter the forests to pressure the abductors, causing them to flee and leave behind the children, allowing us to recover them. There is no instance of ransom payments involved."

Furthermore, Musa cautioned that paying ransoms only serves to empower criminal networks and incentivizes further kidnappings. "We also oppose it because if it continues, it will promote more abductions for financial gain. That is why we urge people to refrain from paying ransoms," he added.

He encouraged families and communities to promptly report kidnapping incidents to security services instead of negotiating with kidnappers. "If someone has been abducted, it is imperative to inform the security agencies to ensure appropriate action is taken," the minister emphasized.

Musa also urged communities to cease any negotiations or interactions with bandits, including providing them with food and supplies. He stated, "We continually advise individuals to stop engaging with kidnappers and to refrain from selling goods to them."

He appealed for public cooperation, noting that intelligence from the community is essential to combat banditry throughout the nation. "What individuals need to recognize is that if you provide food to them and receive money in return, you are partaking in blood money, which is not acceptable," he remarked.

Additionally, he reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to restore peace, asserting that a combination of sustained military operations and public support represent the most effective methods for addressing banditry.

The minister further advised state governments against negotiating peace arrangements with bandits, characterizing such initiatives as misleading and detrimental to national security endeavors. He cited Katsina as a case study, observing that the Federal Government had previously warned against establishing peace agreements with armed groups in that region.

Lastly, he affirmed that the federal government’s continuous objective is to enhance security and maintain peace across the country.