President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration will never negotiate with kidnappers or terrorists, insisting that Nigeria’s security forces will continue to confront criminal groups without paying ransom.
The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa.
Tinubu said the recent rescue of kidnapped victims in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demonstrated the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture. He credited the success to the efforts of the armed forces, alongside the support and prayers of Nigerians.
Reaffirming his administration’s hardline stance, the President disclosed that kidnappers had demanded the release of detained gang members alongside ransom payments, but the Federal Government rejected the demands, insisting there would be no negotiations with criminals.
Tinubu also confirmed that Nigeria will establish state police, assuring Nigerians that safeguards will be put in place to prevent abuse of the system. He added that traditional rulers would play key roles in supporting the new policing structure.
President Tinubu urged traditional rulers to encourage residents to remain vigilant, know their communities, and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The leader of the Oyo traditional rulers’ delegation, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, thanked President Tinubu for the successful rescue operation in Oriire, Oyo State, and commended his administration for ongoing major infrastructure projects.