Why Nigeria’s Government Says No to Paying Ransom to Kidnappers
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has made it clear: the Federal Government does not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers or terrorist groups.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Musa explained the government’s strong stance. He said that paying ransom only makes the kidnapping problem worse. Instead, the military relies on credible intelligence and quick action to rescue victims.
How Rescue Operations Really Work
Musa stressed that the government does not pay to free abducted persons. Any ransom paid is usually by private individuals, not the state.
“Government doesn’t pay ransom to rescue anyone from terrorists. It is individuals who make such payments,” he said. “Whenever there is a case of kidnapping, the military always swings into action.”
He explained that once the military locates kidnappers, troops move in quickly. Often, the criminals run away into the bush, leaving their victims behind.
Why Paying Ransom is Dangerous
The Defence Minister is firmly against ransom payments. He warned that rewarding criminals guarantees they will continue.
“I do not support paying ransom because once terrorists and kidnappers realize money is guaranteed, more people will be drawn into such crimes,” Musa stated.
The Challenge of a Large Country
Musa also addressed why terrorists continue to operate. He pointed to Nigeria’s large size as a major challenge. When security forces push hard in one area, criminals simply move to another.
“This is a very large country. When troops clamp down on one location, the terrorists simply move to another place,” he explained.
Focus on Border Security
To tackle this, the government is working on stronger border security. This includes building fences and monitoring who enters from neighbouring countries.
Musa said good border barriers would help stop the smuggling of illegal items. It would also prevent criminals from crossing into Nigeria to attack and then escape.
Conclusion
General Christopher Musa’s message is clear: paying ransom fuels more crime. The government’s strategy is to use military intelligence for rescues and secure the borders to protect citizens.
