No more ransom, no talks with terrorists, says Defence Minister
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa has declared that there should be no more negotiations or ransom payments to terrorists in Nigeria, insisting that such actions only strengthen criminal groups. Speaking during his ministerial screening and in comments highlighted by the Ministry of Defence, Musa warned that paying ransom gives terrorists money and time to regroup, re-arm and plan fresh attacks, noting that some communities that negotiated were later attacked again. He urged all levels of government to adopt a united position against negotiating with terrorists or bandits, stressing that ransom payments must stop if Nigeria is serious about ending kidnappings and insurgency. Musa also pointed out that Nigeria’s banking and digital payment systems can be used more effectively to trace ransom money and disrupt terrorist financing networks when supported by a unified national database and stronger security coordination. The minister […]