President Bola Tinubu has formally stated that his government will not pay ransoms or engage in negotiations with terrorists and bandits operating within Nigeria. He revealed that certain criminal groups attempted to secure the release of their incarcerated associates as a precondition for freeing kidnapped victims.
The President addressed these matters while meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Oyo State Council of Obas at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu confirmed that he rejected these demands, asserting that the administration would not compromise with criminals.
To combat these security threats, the President noted an expansion of the military from eight to 12 divisions to improve response times and tactical capabilities. Furthermore, he highlighted strategies such as the introduction of state police, which will include guardrails to prevent misuse, and the strengthening of forest guards to enhance intelligence gathering. Tinubu also emphasized that traditional rulers will be integrated more closely into these security efforts.
