In a strong and solemn address on the growing security threats plaguing the nation, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has issued a renewed warning to Nigerians against paying ransom to terrorists and kidnappers, describing the practice as a direct sponsorship of criminality. His remarks came during a high-profile handover event in Abuja, where he formally transferred 64 rescued kidnapping victims—held for over a month in Kaduna forests—to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar.
The NSA emphasized that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained a firm stance against any form of ransom payments, either directly or indirectly, insisting that such financial concessions embolden and enrich terrorist networks.
Ribadu revealed that the successful rescue of the victims was achieved through sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations by Nigeria’s armed forces. He expressed gratitude to the military and security operatives for their tenacity, and thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the nation’s security architecture.
However, beneath the success story lies a disturbing sub-narrative that underscores the growing desperation and complexity of Nigeria's security challenges. Multiple sources within the military confirm that senior officers, including generals, have been forced to dig into their private resources to save one of their own—retired Major General Richard Tsiga, who was recently abducted by bandits. It was disclosed that contributions were discreetly pooled from high-ranking officers to meet the ransom demanded by the kidnappers, as the life of the senior officer hung in the balance. This quiet but painful gesture has sent shockwaves throughout the armed forces, raising questions about morale, vulnerability, and the need for a holistic security overhaul.
Although the NSA did not comment directly on the General Tsiga incident, his statement was clear: “We have never paid and will never pay ransom as a government. We urge families, communities, and individuals to resist this temptation. It only strengthens these criminals and prolongs insecurity.”
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, while receiving the rescued victims, hailed the gallantry of the troops and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ending the menace. He urged citizens to continue sharing intelligence with security agencies, saying the war against kidnappers and terrorists cannot be won by force alone, but through the collective vigilance and unity of all Nigerians.
As the debate around ransom payments continues, the haunting reality that even military top brass are now vulnerable serves as a stark reminder that Nigeria’s war against insecurity demands urgent, radical, and collective action.