President Bola Tinubu's administration has firmly ruled out any form of negotiation with terrorist groups, according to a key presidential adviser. This strict position forms the core of the government's strategy in tackling the nation's complex security challenges.
Why Tinubu Rejected Past Negotiation Policy
Daniel Bwala, who serves as President Tinubu's Adviser on Policy Communication, clarified the government's stance during a recent television interview. He referenced a previous national approach where both state and federal governments considered negotiations a viable option to save citizens' lives in extreme danger.
Bwala explained that President Tinubu, upon assuming office, rejected this approach due to its dangerous consequences. He argued that paying ransoms, even with the intention of saving lives, inadvertently funds terrorism. "You are constructively financing terrorism without knowing it," Bwala stated during his appearance on Channels Television's The Morning Brief program. He emphasized that ransom money is often used by the captors to purchase more weapons, thereby escalating the security crisis.
How Hostages Are Freed Without Federal Ransom
When questioned about how recent abductions, like the release of kidnapped schoolchildren, were resolved without official ransom payments, Bwala outlined several alternative scenarios. He noted that not every interaction with armed groups is financially motivated.
In some cases, individuals present themselves as mediators, while influential figures like religious leaders can intervene to persuade captors. Bwala also pointed out that security agencies might apply indirect pressure when a direct assault is too risky for civilians. Furthermore, holding hostages can sometimes become a logistical burden for the criminals, leading them to release victims on their own accord.
Admission of Ransom Payments Outside Federal Control
Despite the Federal Government's unwavering public stance, Bwala acknowledged that ransom payments still occur outside its purview. He admitted that families of victims or state governments sometimes end up paying to secure the release of their loved ones.
"All of these things are possible for the release of the people," Bwala said, drawing a clear line between these actions and the official policy. "But you asked the question whether the Federal Government did pay ransom and I told you no, whether the Federal Government will pay ransom and I am saying no." This statement reinforces the central message that while other entities may engage, the Tinubu-led Federal Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against negotiating with or funding terrorists.
