A retired United States Army officer, Yinka Ogunsanya, has criticised the payment of ransom to terrorist groups by government authorities, warning that the practice strengthens criminal networks and worsens Nigeria’s security challenges.
Ogunsanya expressed his concerns while speaking at a public policy forum focused on addressing Nigeria’s growing insecurity and the need for reforms in the country’s security architecture. He described ransom payments as counterproductive, noting that such actions provide financial resources to terrorist groups and undermine ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
According to him, paying ransom not only emboldens insurgents but also prolongs the cycle of violence by enabling them to expand their operations, recruit more members, and acquire weapons. He stressed that any form of negotiation or financial concession to terrorist groups weakens the government’s position and erodes public confidence in national security efforts.
Ogunsanya emphasized that for Nigeria to effectively combat insurgency and terrorism, authorities must adopt a comprehensive and strategic approach that goes beyond military operations. He noted that security responses must address the root causes of insurgency, including poverty, marginalisation, and lack of development in vulnerable communities.
He advocated for the adoption of the globally recognised “3Ds” strategy — Development, Diplomacy, and Defence — which integrates socio-economic development, community engagement, and military action in tackling insecurity. He explained that focusing solely on military force without addressing underlying socio-economic factors often leads to temporary gains rather than lasting peace.
The retired officer further highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven security operations, stressing that effective counter-insurgency efforts require strong collaboration between security agencies and local communities. He said intelligence gathered at the grassroots level is critical in identifying threats early and preventing attacks before they occur.
Ogunsanya also supported the idea of decentralised policing, noting that empowering local security structures could improve intelligence gathering and response times. However, he cautioned that such reforms must be carefully planned and supported by proper legal, institutional, and operational frameworks to ensure effectiveness and prevent abuse.
He stressed the need for improved coordination among federal, state, and local authorities, as well as enhanced investment in modern surveillance technology, training, and capacity building for security personnel.
Also speaking at the forum, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Leye Oyebade, warned that the creation of state police without proper planning and coordination could create new security challenges. He emphasized the importance of clear operational structures, adequate funding, and cooperation among states to prevent criminals from exploiting jurisdictional gaps.
Oyebade noted that effective policing requires strong community engagement, intelligence sharing, and mutual trust between security agencies and citizens. He added that without proper coordination, criminal suspects could easily evade capture by moving across state boundaries.
In his keynote address, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Saka Matemilola, highlighted key concerns surrounding security reforms, including delays in emergency response, manpower shortages, and the need for adequate safeguards to prevent the misuse of state-controlled security structures.
He stressed that any effort to restructure Nigeria’s security system must prioritise professionalism, accountability, and transparency to ensure public trust and effectiveness.
Participants at the forum agreed that addressing Nigeria’s security crisis requires a holistic and coordinated strategy that combines military strength, community-based intelligence, institutional reforms, and socio-economic development.
They emphasized that strengthening national security would require sustained political will, adequate funding, and collaboration among all levels of government, security agencies, and citizens to ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.
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