President pledges stronger security architecture, state police and enhanced forest guards as Oyo traditional rulers visit Aso Villa.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to refusing ransom payments or negotiations with kidnappers, insisting that yielding to criminals would only embolden terrorism and banditry across the country.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President disclosed that abductors had demanded both ransom payments and the release of detained members of their criminal gang, demands the Federal Government rejected.
“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. We are not going to negotiate with criminals,” President Tinubu declared, adding that the government remains determined to defeat terrorism and banditry.
He said the administration was strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture by expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response times and operational effectiveness against security threats.
President Tinubu also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, assuring Nigerians that adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse. He added that traditional rulers would play a critical role in grassroots security efforts.
The President disclosed that the Federal Government was enhancing the capacity of forest guards to combat criminal activities in forested areas while stressing the importance of intelligence gathering and community vigilance.
He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities and unfamiliar individuals within their communities, noting that security challenges in neighbouring countries have contributed to Nigeria’s security concerns.
President Tinubu congratulated Oyo State on the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area and commended the armed forces for their efforts.
He further pledged to hold regular consultations with traditional rulers across the country to receive their suggestions on governance and security matters.
The President also called on state governors to utilise increased federal allocations to improve security infrastructure and connectivity projects within their states.
His remarks come weeks after the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.