The Federal Government has reaffirmed that it will not pay ransom to kidnappers to secure the release of abducted victims, the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said.
The stance was restated as part of official efforts to curb kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, with security officials stressing that ransom payments can embolden criminals and worsen insecurity.
Matawalle said the government’s policy is grounded in existing law and national security strategy, and that no funds will be paid to kidnappers in ransom demands. He said the focus remains on using kinetic and non‑kinetic measures to rescue victims and dismantle criminal networks.
The minister noted that ransom payments — including informal crowdfunding by families and communities — can create a financial incentive for further kidnappings and make the crime more profitable for criminals. Officials warn that paying ransoms can encourage perpetrators to increase their demands and escalate the scale of abductions.
Government sources have highlighted that Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention) Act includes provisions that make it illegal to transfer funds or collude with kidnappers and terrorists to pay ransom for the release of hostages. Violators can face significant legal penalties under the law, including long prison terms upon conviction.
Authorities have also urged Nigerians to avoid discussing ransom negotiations publicly or on social media, saying such exposure can undermine efforts by security agencies to track and rescue abducted victims.
The government is calling for discreet communication with security agencies to increase the chances of successful operations.
The stance against ransom payments follows rising concerns that kidnappers and bandits have increasingly used abductions as a revenue source, demanding large sums of money that some families have tried to meet through public donations or private arrangements.
Security officials argue that this can fuel further criminal activity.
The government’s position is also part of broader public messaging that encourages community support for law enforcement, including reporting information that can help locate victims and dismantle criminal networks.
Officials emphasise that cutting off financial incentives is part of a long‑term strategy to reduce the prevalence of kidnappings in Nigeria.
Critics of the policy acknowledge the government’s position but have expressed concern about the immediate safety of kidnapping victims, especially in rural areas where families may feel pressure to pay ransoms to secure safe returns. Debate continues on balancing legal policy with urgent humanitarian concerns.
The Federal Government says it remains committed to enhancing national security, strengthening rescue operations, and deterring kidnappers through enforcement and community cooperation rather than ransom payments.
