Nigeria Will No Longer Pay Ransom To Bandits – Tinubu. President Bola Tinubu declared in an article published by Newsweek on April 15, 2024, that his administration would cease paying ransom to bandits and Boko Haram terrorists.
He made this announcement in remembrance of the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, which occurred a decade ago.
The President emphasized that the practice of paying ransom only fuels further abductions, and stressed the need to eradicate extortion rackets.
In an article published by Newsweek on April 15, 2024, to mark the tenth anniversary of the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, President Bola Tinubu highlighted the urgency of addressing kidnapping and extortion.
He recounted the global outcry following the Chibok incident, which underscored the gravity of the situation.
President Tinubu acknowledged the swift response to recent abductions, particularly in Kaduna, but emphasized the ongoing threat posed by kidnappings.
He noted the evolution of the perpetrators, with criminal gangs now primarily responsible for mass abductions driven by financial motives rather than ideological extremism.
The President affirmed his administration’s stance against ransom payments, highlighting the counterproductive nature of such transactions.
He emphasized the need to dismantle the kidnapping-for-ransom industry by denying perpetrators financial gains and enhancing security measures.
President Tinubu also addressed the root causes of kidnapping, citing poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities as contributing factors.
He underscored the importance of addressing economic challenges to prevent vulnerable individuals from being drawn into criminal activities.
Highlighting economic reforms undertaken by his government, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of tough decisions to stabilize the economy and combat insecurity.
He acknowledged the short-term hardships caused by reforms but emphasized their long-term benefits for economic stability and security.
The President expressed optimism about the progress made in stabilizing the economy, citing increased foreign currency inflows and the clearance of a multi-billion forex backlog.
He emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for private sector growth and job creation to address insecurity and promote prosperity.
In conclusion, President Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ending ransom payments and implementing economic reforms to liberate Nigerians from insecurity and economic hardship.