The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has called upon Nigerians to cease making ransom payments to kidnappers, cautioning that these payments exacerbate insecurity and impede the rescue operations conducted by law enforcement agencies.
Ribadu issued this plea on Tuesday, April 8, when he received 60 kidnapped individuals who had been freed in Abuja.
The victims included a Deputy Director from the civil service as well as arelative of Bishop
Matthew Hassan Kukah,
were recently released from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, after coordinated military operations.
Kindly cease providing financial support to these individuals; this is our biggest challenge,” Ribadu stated during his address at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre. “Several family members have already offered funds to the kidnappers, yet their loved ones were not freed as expected. Instead, it has been us—the security personnel—who managed to rescue them.
The captives, who were held for over a month, consisted of 35 men and 29 women and children. According to Ribadu, their liberation highlights the success of the security forces rather than any payment of ransoms.
It’s not about the money they’re providing. The issue is that when you give them more, you end up exacerbating our problems,” he stressed. “We’ve never accepted anything from anyone, and we prefer that people refrain from offering assistance.
The NSA acknowledged the commitment and achievements of the Nigerian Armed Forces along with other security organizations in successfully rescuing the captives.
“I want to extend special recognition to our armed forces and security services. Their relentless efforts in chasing down these criminals have made this gathering possible,” he stated, further mentioning that the administration remains resolute in pursuing justice until it is achieved.
Ribadu also acknowledged President
Bola Tinubu
Support for bolstering the nation’s security infrastructure.
Due to Mr. President’s dedication, we are advancing every day,” he stated. “Nevertheless, the liberation of the victims isn’t the final step. We will keep pursuing these criminals and make sure they encounter justice.
