Nigeria Won't Pay Ransom to Kidnappers
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa says the Nigerian government does not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers or terrorist groups. In a BBC Hausa interview, Musa explained that rewarding criminal groups with ransom fuels the problem. Instead, the military relies on credible intelligence and rapid response for rescue operations. Musa emphasized that individuals, not the government, make ransom payments. The government is committed to strengthening border security, including constructing fences, to limit terrorist movement and smuggling. Will Nigeria's no-ransom policy reduce kidnapping incidents or push victims' families to negotiate directly with kidnappers?