Defence Minister Musa: Nigerian Government Won’t Negotiate Ransom with Kidnappers

General Christopher Musa, the minister of defense, has reiterated that the federal government does not negotiate with terrorist organizations or kidnappers or pay ransom to them.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Musa clarified that reliable intelligence and prompt action are key factors in the military’s rescue efforts.

He claims that paying ransom to criminal organizations just makes the issue worse.

“The government doesn’t pay ransom to save people from terrorists.” The people who make these payments are individuals. The military always intervenes when a kidnapping occurs.

“I oppose paying ransom because once kidnappers and terrorists realize money is guaranteed, more people will be drawn into such crimes,” he stated.

He emphasized that the government does not pay ransom to ensure the release of kidnapped people, pointing out that private individuals typically make such payments.

Musa went on to say that the military reacts quickly to kidnapping events.

“In many instances, our forces enter the place after we determine its position. He claimed that the abductors frequently escape into the bush, leaving their victims behind, who subsequently recover.

The defense minister addressed worries about terrorists’ ongoing activities by explaining that Nigeria’s large geography makes it easy for criminal organizations to shift anytime security forces step up operations in a particular area.

This nation is quite big. He said, “Terrorists just relocate when troops crack down on one area.

In order to prevent terrorists from entering the nation, Musa also stressed the significance of bolstering border security, which includes building barriers.

He stated that in order to guarantee appropriate documents, the government is dedicated to keeping an eye on those arriving from nearby countries.

He claimed that border walls will aid in preventing the smuggling of illicit goods and stop criminals from entering the nation to launch attacks and flee.