President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s policy of refusing to negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, declaring that Nigeria must tackle insecurity from a position of strength rather than concession.
The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu revealed that the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of the Oriire schoolchildren demanded both a ransom payment and the release of detained members of their criminal gang.
However, he said the federal government rejected the demands and instead relied on security operations that eventually secured the victims’ freedom.
According to the president, yielding to the demands of kidnappers would only embolden criminal groups and undermine the country’s efforts to restore lasting peace and security.
The visit by the Oyo monarchs followed the successful rescue of the abducted pupils from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an operation that has been widely commended.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Olubadan expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for ensuring the safe rescue of the children, describing the operation as a significant milestone in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The monarch also appealed to the federal government to sustain military and security operations in the forests linking Oyo, Kwara and Niger states, warning that the vast forest corridors have continued to serve as hideouts for criminal elements.
Responding to the request, Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would intensify efforts to eliminate criminal camps and improve security across the affected regions.
He disclosed that the federal government plans to expand the Nigerian military from eight to 12 divisions as part of broader measures to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The President also said the government would reinforce security presence in forested areas while advancing plans to establish state police across the federation, with adequate safeguards to prevent abuse of the system.
Tinubu maintained that his administration remains committed to deploying every lawful means necessary to protect Nigerians and ensure that criminal groups have no haven anywhere in the country.
