In light of the nation’s security concerns, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has urged Nigerians to refrain from paying ransom to kidnappers and bandits.
He made this appeal on Tuesday while welcoming 60 individuals who were recently freed from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, as a result of ongoing military efforts. The victims were received at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
“Please stop funding these criminals; it is our biggest challenge,” Ribadu warned the public. He explained that many families of kidnapping victims have paid ransoms, but this has not guaranteed their release, emphasizing that their rescue is due to the efforts of security forces, not money. He stressed that financial payments only exacerbate the problem, insisting that no funds should be given to kidnappers.
Ribadu highlighted that such payments compromise the fight against kidnapping nationwide. He praised the dedication of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their relentless efforts in combating crime. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support of the nation’s security measures, noting that progress is being made but reaffirming the commitment to continue pursuing the perpetrators of these crimes.
The rescued victims had been held for over a month and included a Deputy Director in civil service and a family member of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. The group consisted of 35 males, 29 females, and children.
