Morganable News/Security&Justice
Tinubu said the Federal Government rejected demands from the abductors, who had sought both ransom payments and the release of detained members of their gang
kaNo —
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that his administration would not negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, insisting that yielding to such demands would embolden criminal networks and undermine national security efforts.
The President made this known while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
His remarks come in the wake of the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State earlier this year, an incident that drew nationwide concern.
Tinubu said the Federal Government rejected demands from the abductors, who had sought both ransom payments and the release of detained members of their gang.
According to him, the government instead opted for a military-led rescue operation, which successfully secured the victims after 56 days in captivity without conceding to the kidnappers’ conditions.
“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested, in addition to money,” the President said.
“And we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals.”he added.
The Oriire abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved about 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The attack also claimed the life of a teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun.
The victims were eventually freed on July 10 following what the Presidency described as a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation that led to several neutralisations and the arrest of eight suspects.
Tinubu, speaking publicly on the incident for the first time since the rescue, commended the Armed Forces for what he described as an “excellent performance” and attributed the success of the operation to improved intelligence and a better understanding of the terrain where the victims were held.
“The rescue was possible because the military had a geographical layout of the forest. We knew the terrain, and that gave us an advantage,” he said.
Army Division Expansion Aims At Strengthening Security
The President noted that the incident had exposed gaps in the country’s security architecture and prompted immediate reforms, including his directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions.
He said the expansion was designed to improve response time and enhance the military’s operational reach.
“As we emphasise the question of security, each event teaches us new methods and challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategy and operations,” Tinubu said.
“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten response time and give the response the strength needed to defeat terrorism and banditry.”
In addition to military restructuring, the President reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, a long-debated issue in Nigeria’s security discourse.
He, however, stressed that adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse.
“There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails against abuses. We will protect it from misuse, and traditional rulers will also have roles to play,” he said.
Forest Guards To Function As Frontline Personnel
Tinubu also announced plans to strengthen the role of forest guards, stating that they would be retrained and re-equipped to function as frontline security personnel rather than being limited to wildlife protection duties.
“We are enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase animals; they will now pursue criminals and deal with them in our forests,” he stated.
The President attributed the rise in kidnappings and terrorist activities partly to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.
“Some of these elements are not Nigerians. The insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is adding more fuel to our challenges,” he said.
Tinubu Urges Stakeholders To Support Intelligence Gathering
Calling for a whole-of-society approach to security, Tinubu urged traditional rulers to mobilise their communities to support intelligence gathering by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
“The mention of intelligence is very important. I want you to take this message to our people: be vigilant, know your neighbourhoods, and report strange individuals,” he said.
He also appealed to state governments to prioritise infrastructure development, particularly road networks, to facilitate easier access for security agencies to remote and underserved areas.
Referring to improved federal allocations to states, the President said governors now have greater financial capacity to invest in critical infrastructure that can enhance both economic development and security operations.
“They are taking four to five times their previous allocations. They should invest more in roads and artery networks that improve quality of life and allow security agencies to penetrate difficult terrains,” Tinubu said.
The President pledged to convene broader consultations with traditional leaders across the country as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the government and local communities in tackling insecurity.
“I will be calling meetings of traditional leaders across the country to listen to you and receive your suggestions. The challenge before us is monumental, but we must confront it together,” he said.
Tinubu further acknowledged the complexities of governance, noting that he inherited both the achievements and challenges of his predecessor and remains committed to addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
“I accepted the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. That is the responsibility of leadership, and we must deal with it,” he added.
“The security challenge is getting better. We are getting a better handle on it,” the President said. “Whenever you see our soldiers and police officers, please commend them. They are doing a good job.”
The meeting with the Oyo traditional rulers underscored the growing role of community leadership in Nigeria’s security framework, as the government seeks to combine military action with local intelligence and grassroots engagement.
Analysts say the administration’s refusal to negotiate with kidnappers signals a hardline approach aimed at deterring future abductions, though they note that sustained investment in intelligence, infrastructure and regional cooperation will be critical to achieving long-term security.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, the President’s remarks highlight a strategy anchored on military expansion, institutional reforms and community involvement to confront what he described as one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation.
