ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), has reiterated that the Federal Government does not pay ransom to kidnappers or terrorists.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, the minister explained that military rescue operations are largely driven by intelligence gathering and rapid response.
He said, “I do not encourage that because if you continue to pay terrorists and kidnappers, everyone will join.
“Government doesn’t pay ransom to rescue anyone from terrorists. It is individuals who make such payments. Whenever there is a case of kidnapping, the military always swings into action.
“Most times, when we hear of such incidents and the location is ascertained, we enter into the bush and the kidnappers run, leaving their captives, who are then rescued in the process.”
Responding to questions on why terrorists are still able to operate, Musa said Nigeria’s vast size makes it easy for them to relocate when security forces move in.
“You should understand something. This country is big; if soldiers swing into action and cover a particular location, the terrorists immediately move to another location,” he said.
The defence minister also stressed the importance of fencing Nigeria’s borders, noting that it would help reduce the inflow of terrorists into the country.
Musa added, “Yes, we are on that mission to ensure that we keep an eye on people coming in from neighbouring countries, so that they can be well documented.
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“If we build it, it will help us prevent people from bringing illegal substances into the country, and it will also stop criminals from entering, carrying out attacks, and escaping.
In addition to physical barriers, it is not everywhere that a wall can be built; there are places with water where a wall cannot be constructed.
“There are also modern technological devices that can be installed, which can monitor movements and show where people are coming from.”
He urged citizens to support security agencies by providing timely intelligence rather than collaborating with insurgents.
“What is most important is for people to understand that when they see suspicious individuals like these, they should know where and how to report them. That is why we are appealing to the public: stop associating with them. Those who supply them with food or sell things to them should stop,” he said.
The minister further reaffirmed the military’s determination to eliminate terrorism in the country.
“We are going to redouble our efforts in order to tackle issues of insecurity as the President gives all the necessary support. We will be deploying technologies and troops to those places that are under security threat and where there are insufficient troops.
“We are cooperating with neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, because this fight requires a collective effort,” he said.