Tinubu rules out ransom payments

President Tinubu declares government will never negotiate with or pay ransoms to kidnappers, bandits or terrorist networks.

Speaking at a security briefing in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu declared that the Federal Government will never negotiate with or pay ransoms to kidnappers, bandits, or terrorist networks. The administration emphasised that military operations will remain focused on neutralising threat actors and securing the unconditional release of hostages.

The declaration is a clear statement of policy. The government has often been accused of paying ransoms, and Tinubu’s statement is intended to draw a line under the practice. However, the reality is that ransoms are often paid in secret, and the policy will be difficult to enforce. The focus on neutralising threat actors suggests a more aggressive military approach.

This echoes the 2021 anti-ransom policy, which also sought to end the payment of ransoms. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a policy that is difficult to enforce.

The winners: the government, which has articulated a clear policy; and the Nigerian public, who may see a reduction in kidnappings. The losers: kidnappers, who face a more aggressive military; and the Nigerian government, which must enforce the policy.

Bottom Line: Tinubu says no ransom payments. The policy is clear. The question is whether it will be enforced or remain a statement of intent.