- We Don’t Pay Ransom to Terrorists, General Musa Insists
- Says rewarding kidnappers with money only worsens insecurity
- Underscored the need to strengthen border security
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has reiterated that the Federal Government does not negotiate with terrorists or kidnappers, nor does it pay ransom for the release of abducted persons, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the Defence Minister explained that military rescue operations are guided by credible intelligence and swift tactical response, stressing that paying ransom only encourages criminal activities.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Pune Murder: Nigerians Held for Beating Friend to Death Over Romantic Dispute
- Opposition’s Outrage Over US Lobbying “Orchestrated and Misguided” – APC
- PHOTOSTORY: Family and Friends Pay Tribute to Erelu Aminat Titilo
“Government does not pay ransom to free anyone from terrorists. It is individuals who sometimes make such payments,” Musa said. “Whenever there is a kidnapping incident, the military immediately swings into action.”
He warned that rewarding kidnappers with money only worsens insecurity. “I do not support ransom payments because once criminals realise money is assured, more people will be attracted to kidnapping and terrorism,” he added.
Musa maintained that the armed forces act promptly once the whereabouts of abductors are identified. According to him, in many cases, troops move into the area, forcing kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives, who are then rescued.
“In several operations, once we locate them, they run into the bush and leave the victims behind. That is how many abducted persons are recovered,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the persistence of terrorist activities, the Defence Minister attributed it partly to Nigeria’s vast landmass, which allows criminals to relocate when pressure is mounted in one region.
“Nigeria is a very large country. When security forces clamp down in one area, these criminals simply move to another location,” he explained.
He also underscored the need to strengthen border security, including the construction of physical barriers, to restrict the movement of terrorists and other criminal elements.
According to Musa, improved border monitoring will help ensure that people entering the country are properly documented, curb the smuggling of illegal items, and prevent criminals from crossing borders to carry out attacks and escape.
FURTHER READING
- Malami’s Lawyers Return to Court Over Fresh Concerns Over Bail Surety
- BBNaija Star Liquorose Mourns Father’s Death
- South Korean Ex-President Yoon Jailed Over Martial Law Plot
Click here to watch video of the week
