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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s refusal to negotiate with terrorists and other criminal groups, declaring that the Federal Government will instead intensify intelligence-driven operations to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.
Tinubu made the declaration while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The President commended the Armed Forces for their role in recent rescue operations and acknowledged the support of traditional rulers in strengthening security efforts across the country.
According to him, recent security incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, have prompted the government to review its security architecture and operational strategies.
“That event teaches us new methods, opens our eyes and challenges us to examine and re-examine our security architecture, strategy, map and operations,” Tinubu said.
As part of efforts to strengthen security, the President disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and operational effectiveness.
“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated that his administration would not negotiate with criminal groups or accede to their demands.
According to him, some of the kidnappers involved in the recent Oyo abduction demanded not only ransom but also the release of detained members of their criminal gangs.
“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested.
“That was one of their conditions outside the money they were looking for, and we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals.”
The President also attributed part of Nigeria’s security challenges to the instability in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic.
He said the Federal Government was strengthening the forest guards system and remained committed to establishing state police with adequate safeguards against abuse.
“There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails against abuses. We will protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play more,” he said.
Tinubu added that forest guards would be properly equipped and empowered to tackle criminal elements operating in forests across the country.
Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the President for his handling of the recent Oyo abduction, particularly his decision not to pay ransom.
“The fact that you did not pay ransom, the fact that you stood your ground shows that we now have a government that knows what is to be done. We cannot thank you enough for that feat,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler also urged the Federal Government to sustain security operations in forest reserves and continue ongoing infrastructure projects across Oyo State.
Successive Nigerian administrations have adopted different approaches to kidnapping and terrorism, with some rescue efforts in the past reportedly involving negotiations or the payment of ransom by families or intermediaries, even as the government officially discouraged such practices.
In recent years, the Federal Government has consistently maintained that it will not negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom, arguing that doing so encourages further abductions and strengthens criminal groups.
Tinubu’s latest remarks reinforce that policy, while emphasising increased military operations and intelligence-led efforts to secure the release of victims and combat armed groups.
