National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has appealed to Nigerians to desist from paying ransom to kidnappers and terrorist groups, warning that such actions only worsen the insecurity challenges in the country.
Ribadu made this known on Tuesday during a visit to Kaduna State, where he welcomed over 60 kidnap victims who were recently rescued by security forces. Among the victims were a deputy director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. The group, which included 35 men, 29 women, and several children, had been held captive for more than a month before their successful rescue through military operations in Southern Kaduna.
Speaking during the handover of the rescued individuals to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, Ribadu emphasized that ransom payments only serve to embolden criminal elements.
“I want to appeal to families and communities—please stop giving ransom to these criminals. It only deepens the crisis,” Ribadu stated. “We have never paid any money to these groups. Rewarding their evil acts with money only motivates them to do more.”
He credited the rescue operation to the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that security forces have been intensifying their offensive against criminal hideouts in the region.
“Every day, we are rescuing our fellow citizens from the grip of these criminals. But our work does not end there—we will continue to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.
Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar commended Ribadu and the security forces for their unwavering dedication and coordination in tackling insecurity across volatile regions.
“We are working around the clock. I know the NSA hardly sleeps, all in the quest to restore peace,” Abubakar said. “We appreciate the support and trust Nigerians have shown by sharing valuable information. We urge them to continue helping us with intelligence—it is key to defeating these criminals.”
