NSA Ai Nigeriani: stop paying redemptions to bandits, kidnappers

The National Security Councilor, Nuhu Ribadu, issued a severe appeal to the Nigerians, exhorting them to desist from the payment of redemptions to kidnappers and bandits, describing the practice as a “counterproductive” and harmful for the fight against insecurity in the country.

Ribadu made the call Tuesday in Abuja while he delivered 60 victims saved of kidnappings and bandits to their families.

He said that the successful operation – which has led to the coordinated efforts of military agencies and other security agencies – is a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s security forces are able to save the kidnappers without redemption payments.

“Once again, we are here to do what we have already done a couple of times – to deliver the victims saved of kidnapping and banned to their families,” said Ribadu, expressing gratitude to the armed forces and leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

The victims – 35 males and 25 females – were kidnapped by lere, Zangon Kataf and areas of the local government of Kagarko of the state of Kaduna and the territory of the federal capital.

Among those saved there were Adhesanya Michael, deputy director of the National Assembly Commission kidnapped in Abuja, and Ishaya Kuka, brother of Bishop Matthew Kukah.

Ribadu said: “Many of these families gave money to the kidnappers, but did not guarantee the release of their loved ones.

It was still the security agencies that led their rescue. I want to make a very strong appeal to everyone – stop giving money to these people. It is understandable, yes, but it only feeds the cycle of violence. “

Describing the trend as one of the “worst things that happen” in the fight against bandits, NSA has said that redemption payments encourage criminal elements and prolong the insecurity between the communities.

He stressed that while the return of the kidnapped is a step forward, efforts are underway to guarantee the arrest and pursuit of the authors.

“Every day, we are receiving freedom to our people. We will continue to do it. We will not give up and we will not stop,” Ribadu said.

The national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Center, Adamu Laka, who also spoke during the event, said that the rescue operation was conducted by the troops of Division 1 of the Nigerian army, with the support of other security agencies and intelligence.

The last operation comes in a growing concern about the security situation in some parts of northern Nigeria and FCT. Despite an allocation of N73 billion at the office of the National Security Consultant in the 2023 budget and a further billion N29 in an additional budget, the kidnapping for Ransom remains a serious threat.

Safety experts have repeatedly warned that redemption payments undermine national security, encourage crime and weaken public trust in government institutions.

Ribadu’s appeal marks a renewed push of the administration led by Tinubu to face insecurity and dismantle the financial incentives that guide the kidnapping sector.

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