President Bola Tinubu says his administration will not pay ransom or negotiate with bandits and terrorists. He makes the statement in Abuja during a meeting with Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Oyo State Council of Obas. Tinubu says some bandits and terrorists have demanded the release of detained members of their gangs as part of “ransom” conditions for the release of abducted Nigerians. He says he rejected those demands and told the groups that there will be no agreement and no ransom payments.
In the same remarks, Tinubu outlines measures aimed at countering banditry and terrorism. He says military divisions have been expanded from eight to twelve to improve operational response times. He also points to plans for state police, describing safeguards to prevent abuse, and mentions strengthening forest guards and intelligence gathering. Tinubu further calls on traditional rulers to support security efforts, saying community involvement is important for defeating insurgency and restoring peace.
