President Bola Tinubu's administration has detailed several methods through which individuals abducted by armed bandits can be freed without the payment of ransom. This explanation comes amidst ongoing security challenges and high-profile kidnappings across the country.
Government's Firm Stance Against Negotiations
During a recent interview on Channels Television's The Morning Brief, President Tinubu's Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, firmly stated that the federal government does not and will not negotiate with or pay ransom to terrorist groups. He emphasized that while the security situation is complex, not every interaction with armed criminals revolves around financial transactions.
Bwala outlined multiple scenarios where victims could be released without monetary payment. "Bandits may decide to release victims because holding them could create problems they are unable to manage," he explained. He also noted that influential community and religious leaders can sometimes successfully persuade abductors to let captives go.
Pressure and Unconventional Choices
The presidential aide described other circumstances leading to release. Security agencies tracking the location of kidnappers can pressure them into freeing their captives. In some cases, the armed groups simply choose to release people on their own volition.
Bwala acknowledged the multifaceted nature of Nigeria's security challenges, which can push any administration into making tough, sometimes unconventional, choices. He also admitted that in certain incidents, families or state governments might end up paying ransom, but he reiterated that the Federal Government maintains a strict no-ransom policy.
Recent Kidnapping Incidents Highlight Ongoing Crisis
This policy discussion is set against a backdrop of continued violent attacks. Recall that on Saturday, November 29, 2025, armed bandits attacked Chacho village in the Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The assailants kidnapped a bride, her bridesmaids, and several wedding guests in a brazen midnight raid.
In a separate incident on Sunday, November 30, 2025, gunmen attacked the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. Worshippers, including a pastor and his wife, were abducted during the service, throwing the community into chaos.
Bwala's explanations aim to clarify the federal government's approach amidst these distressing events, stressing a commitment to security solutions that do not involve funding criminal activities through ransom payments.
