The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed that the Federal Government does not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers or terrorist groups.

 

 

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Musa explained that the military’s rescue operations are largely driven by credible intelligence and rapid response.

 

According to him, rewarding criminal groups with ransom only fuels the problem.

 

 

“Government doesn’t pay ransom to rescue anyone from terrorists. It is individuals who make such payments. Whenever there is a case of kidnapping, the military always swings into action.

 

“I do not support paying ransom because once terrorists and kidnappers realize money is guaranteed, more people will be drawn into such crimes,” he said.

 

 

He stressed that the government does not make payments to secure the release of abducted persons, noting that ransom payments, when they occur, are usually made by private individuals.

 

Musa added that the armed forces respond promptly to kidnapping incidents.

 

“In many cases, once we identify the location, our troops move into the area. The kidnappers often flee into the bush, abandoning their victims, who are then recovered,” he stated.

 

Addressing concerns about the continued activities of terrorists, the defence minister explained that Nigeria’s vast landmass allows criminal groups to relocate easily whenever security forces intensify operations in one area.

 

“This is a very large country. When troops clamp down on one location, the terrorists simply move to another place,” he explained.

 

Musa also emphasized the importance of strengthening border security, including the construction of fences, to limit the movement of terrorists into the country.

 

He said the government is committed to monitoring people entering from neighbouring nations to ensure proper documentation.

 

According to him, border barriers would help block the smuggling of illegal items and prevent criminals from crossing into the country to carry out attacks and escape.