Abuja, Nigeria – Defence Minister General Christopher Musa has firmly restated that the Federal Government will not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers and terrorist groups, emphasizing that such payments only encourage more criminal activity.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, the Minister clarified that while the military actively pursues rescue operations based on credible intelligence, any ransom payments are made by private individuals, not the government.
“Government doesn’t pay ransom to rescue anyone from terrorists. It is individuals who make such payments,” Musa stated. “I do not support paying ransom because once terrorists and kidnappers realize money is guaranteed, more people will be drawn into such crimes.”
He explained that the vastness of Nigeria’s territory allows criminal groups to relocate easily when security forces intensify operations in one area. To address this, he highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen border security, including constructing fences and monitoring cross-border movement to prevent criminals from entering the country.
The Defence Minister’s comments reinforce the government’s official stance against rewarding criminal enterprises, even as kidnapping for ransom remains a significant security challenge in several regions.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on an interview given by the Minister of Defence to BBC Hausa. CDA News Nigeria presents this as a matter of public policy and security information.
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