In a stern warning, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has urged Nigerians to cease paying ransom to bandits and kidnappers, emphasizing that such payments exacerbate insecurity and hinder rescue efforts by security forces. Ribadu made this appeal during a ceremony in Kaduna, where he received over 60 kidnap victims recently rescued from captivity in Southern Kaduna.
The rescued victims, including a Deputy Director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, were freed following sustained military operations. Despite their families having paid ransom in some cases, Ribadu highlighted that these payments did not secure their release; instead, it was the efforts of the security forces that led to their rescue.
Ribadu stressed that paying ransom only emboldens criminal elements, encouraging them to commit more atrocities. He noted that the more money given to these groups, the more they demand, creating a vicious cycle that complicates efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry.
The Nigerian government has intensified its efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the country. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru commended the coordination and resilience of the security agencies, urging citizens to continue providing vital information to aid in operations against these groups.
Ribadu's appeal reflects the government's commitment to addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria. By discouraging ransom payments, the government aims to weaken the financial incentives driving these crimes and rely on military and law enforcement strategies to rescue victims and apprehend perpetrators. As the security situation continues to evolve, the NSA's message underscores the importance of collective action and cooperation between citizens and security forces to combat these threats effectively.