No Ransom Policy for Kidnapped Victims Extant, FG Asserts 

The Federal Government has restated that it does not pay ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that releases are achieved through sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations. The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, made the clarification during an interview with BBC Hausa monitored in Kaduna.

Mr Musa said the belief that ransom is paid, particularly in cases involving abducted schoolchildren, is incorrect. He said security forces typically move into forest hideouts to apply pressure on armed groups, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives, who are then rescued by troops.

The defence minister warned that paying ransom only strengthens criminal networks and encourages further kidnappings. He urged families and communities to report abduction cases promptly to security agencies, rather than negotiating directly with abductors.

Also Read: We Won’t Pay A Dime To Kidnappers As Ransom – FG

Mr Musa also cautioned communities against having any dealings with bandits, including supplying them with food or other items, and warned state governments against entering peace agreements with armed groups. He said the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace nationwide through sustained military action and public cooperation.