Christopher Musa
The Federal Government has restated its position that it will not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, bandits or terrorist groups, describing such payments as counterproductive and dangerous.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, made the clarification during an interview with BBC Hausa, stressing that Nigeria’s security forces rely on intelligence-driven operations and rapid response to rescue abducted victims.
According to the minister, paying ransom only emboldens criminal networks and encourages the spread of kidnapping and terrorism.
“The government does not pay ransom to rescue anyone from terrorists,” Musa said. “Whenever ransom is paid, it is usually by individuals, not the state. Once criminals realise money is guaranteed, more people will be drawn into such crimes.”
He explained that whenever a kidnapping occurs, the military responds swiftly, often forcing abductors to flee once troops close in on their hideouts.
“In many instances, when we identify their location and move in, the kidnappers abandon their victims and escape into the bush. The victims are then safely recovered,” he added.
Addressing concerns over the persistence of terrorist activities despite ongoing military operations, Musa pointed to Nigeria’s vast landmass, which allows criminal groups to relocate easily when pressure mounts in one area.
“This is a very large country. When security forces clamp down in one place, the criminals simply move elsewhere,” he said.
The defence minister also highlighted the need to strengthen border security, including the construction of physical barriers and improved monitoring of cross-border movement.
He said tighter border controls would help curb the inflow of terrorists, prevent the smuggling of illegal weapons and restrict the ability of criminal elements to carry out attacks and escape across national boundaries.
Musa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that people entering Nigeria from neighbouring countries are properly documented as part of broader efforts to enhance national security.