President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, bandits or kidnappers, declaring that the Federal Government will intensify intelligence-driven security operations to tackle insecurity across the country.
The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for their recent rescue operations and acknowledged the support of traditional rulers in strengthening community security and intelligence gathering.
He said recent security incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, had prompted the government to reassess the nation’s security architecture and operational strategies to improve effectiveness.
According to the President, the Federal Government has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, a move aimed at reducing response time and strengthening the military’s capacity to combat terrorism and banditry.
Tinubu maintained that his administration would not bow to the demands of criminal groups, revealing that kidnappers had demanded the release of detained gang members in addition to ransom payments.
He stressed that the government rejected those demands, insisting that criminals responsible for murder and other serious offences must face justice rather than be rewarded through negotiations.
The President also pointed to the worsening security situation in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic as a factor contributing to Nigeria’s security challenges.
To improve internal security, Tinubu said the Federal Government was strengthening the forest guard system and advancing plans for the establishment of state police, with safeguards to prevent abuse of the system.
He explained that forest guards would be properly equipped and empowered to flush out criminal elements hiding in forests across the country.
The President further highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering, urging traditional rulers to encourage residents to remain vigilant, monitor their communities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
Tinubu also called on state governors to channel increased federal allocations into infrastructure development and projects that enhance security.
While assuring Nigerians that the country’s security situation was improving, he pledged sustained investment in the military and other security agencies and urged citizens to appreciate the sacrifices of security personnel.
Earlier, Ladoja commended the President for refusing to pay ransom during the recent Oyo State abduction incident, describing the decision as a demonstration of firm leadership and commitment to national security.
The traditional ruler also appealed to the Federal Government to maintain a strong security presence in forest reserves and continue critical infrastructure projects across Oyo State.
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