President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s uncompromising stance against negotiating with kidnappers and terrorists, declaring that Nigeria will never pay ransom or release detained criminals in exchange for hostages.
The President stated this on Thursday when he received traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu said the successful rescue operation in Oyo State reflected the effectiveness of the nation’s evolving security strategy and commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism and bravery.
“I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the Armed Forces for their excellent performance. Every security operation teaches us new lessons, challenges us to review our security architecture, strategy and operational plans, and strengthens our resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.
The President disclosed that the Federal Government is restructuring the nation’s security architecture by expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions to improve operational coverage and significantly reduce response time to security threats across the country.
President Tinubu also stated that the administration is also strengthening local security structures through the establishment of state police with adequate safeguards against abuse, while enhancing the operational capacity of forest guards to eliminate criminal elements from forests and ungoverned spaces.
“There will be state police, but with guardrails against abuse. Traditional rulers will also have greater roles to play. We are equally enhancing the capacity of forest guards, not to chase animals, but to pursue criminals and deal decisively with them,” the President said.
The Nigerian Leader further highlighted that intelligence gathering remains central to the fight against insecurity and urged traditional rulers to mobilise their communities to remain vigilant, monitor suspicious movements and promptly report strange faces and activities to security agencies.
President Tinubu disclosed that the abductors of schoolchildren and teachers in communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demanded ransom as well as the release of their detained accomplices, but the government refused to accede to their demands.
“We refuse to negotiate with criminals. They wanted us to release members of their criminal gangs already in detention in addition to demanding money, but we said no deal. We will not negotiate with murderers and terrorists.”
The President also noted that the worsening security situation in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic has increased cross-border criminal activities, making it imperative to reinforce Nigeria’s border security, strengthen forest security operations and deepen collaboration among security agencies.
He also called on state governments to prioritise strategic road construction over non-essential infrastructure, noting that improved road networks would enhance the mobility and operational effectiveness of security agencies in vulnerable communities.
The Olubadan urged the Federal Government to sustain the security presence in the forest corridor stretching from Oyo to Niger State, cautioning that abandoning the area could allow kidnappers and other criminal elements to regroup. He maintained that securing the expansive forest belt would be critical to consolidating the recent security gains and ensuring lasting peace in Oyo State.
“That’s a forest that extends from Oyo to Niger State. So, if you are able to secure the place, it means that Oyo state is secured. We thank you for that feat, and we hope that our wish that the forests should not be abandoned so that they don’t regroup again. “ Oba Ladoja said.
Oba Ladoja also commended the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure drive in Oyo State, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ife Road, describing it as a long-awaited intervention.
He expressed optimism that the numerous federal projects underway would reverse years of infrastructure decay and significantly improve economic activities and connectivity across the state by the end of the President’s tenure.
President Tinubu pledged closer engagement with traditional rulers across the country, describing them as critical stakeholders in intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and community policing.
“I will continue to meet with traditional rulers across the country to listen to your counsel and receive your suggestions because you remain indispensable partners in safeguarding our communities,” he said.
While acknowledging that the nation’s security challenges remain enormous, the President expressed confidence that ongoing reforms were yielding results.
“The immediate challenge is monumental, but I asked for this responsibility, and I accept both its assets and liabilities. I can assure Nigerians that the security situation is improving. Whenever you see our soldiers and police officers, encourage them and thank them because they are making tremendous sacrifices to keep our country safe,” he added.
