Yemi Obafemi
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has called on Nigerians to desist from paying ransom to kidnappers, stressing that such actions only worsen the nation’s security challenges.
Ribadu stated that many families of kidnap victims have paid huge sums in ransom, which ultimately failed to secure the release of their loved ones. He emphasized that it was the efforts of security forces—not ransom payments—that led to the successful rescue of victims.
He made this statement on Tuesday during the reception of 60 kidnapped victims who were recently freed from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, after continuous military operations by security agencies.
“Please stop giving money to these people; it is the most difficult thing we are facing,” Ribadu appealed. “Many of these people (kidnap victims), their families have given money to these people (kidnappers), but it did not lead to their own release. It is we, the security forces, that have brought them out.”
He warned that ransom payments only serve to embolden the criminals, making the work of security agencies more difficult. “The more you give, the more you compound the problem for us. We have never given anybody a dime and we don’t want people to do so,” he added.
Ribadu also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies for their relentless efforts in combating criminal activities and rescuing victims. “Let me specially commend our armed forces and security services. Their tireless pursuit of these criminals is the reason we are here today,” he noted.
He further acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support for the country’s security architecture.
