The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning against the payment of ransom to terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals, emphasizing that such payments fuel further criminal activities.
Ribadu made the call during a ceremony in Kaduna on Tuesday, where he received over 60 victims recently freed from kidnappers’ captivity after intense military pressure. The victims, including a deputy director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, were rescued from Zango Kataf in Southern Kaduna, where they had been held for over a month.
Speaking before handing the victims—comprising 35 men, 29 women, and children—over to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, Ribadu urged families of kidnapped victims to avoid paying ransom, stressing that such actions only empower the criminals.
“We must stop giving money to these criminals. Every payment made is an encouragement for them to continue their evil deeds,” Ribadu stated. “We have never paid any ransom, and we believe that doing so only makes the problem worse.”
The NSA praised the Nigerian military for their relentless pursuit of the criminals, which led to the victims’ rescue. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support of the country’s security forces. “The armed forces have shown great resilience in tracking down these criminals. But the rescue is just the beginning; we will ensure that these criminals face justice,” Ribadu added.
In his address, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar acknowledged the tireless efforts of the security agencies and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the fight against crime by providing vital information. “The cooperation from the public has been crucial to our success in rescuing these victims. We call on Nigerians to keep their trust in us and assist us in eradicating these criminals,” he said.
One of the freed victims, Adesiyam Michael, recounted the traumatic experience, revealing that his wife was shot in front of him by the kidnappers. He highlighted the need for better education and training for young people, many of whom, he said, are often recruited due to their lack of skills and education. “These young kidnappers, mostly between the ages of 16 and 18, lack proper training or any other means to earn a living. Something needs to be done to provide them with opportunities,” Michael said.
The successful rescue operation serves as a testament to the efforts of Nigeria’s security forces, but it also underscores the continuing challenges posed by the growing threat of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the country.
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