President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government refused to pay ransom to terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying security agencies had a clear understanding of the terrain where the victims were held.
The President spoke on Thursday at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Tinubu congratulated the armed forces on the successful rescue operation and commended the role played by traditional rulers in supporting security efforts.
“Congratulations on the Oriire Oyo State rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support, prayers, and I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance,” he said.
The President reiterated his administration’s policy against paying ransom to kidnappers and terrorists.
“We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest. We know what it is,” Tinubu stated.
According to him, the rescue operation provided valuable lessons that would help improve Nigeria’s security strategies and operational planning.
“Each event teaches us new methods, opens our eyes, challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategies, our map and operations,” he added.
Tinubu also disclosed that the military is expanding its operational strength by increasing the number of divisions from eight to 12 to improve response time and intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the strength needed to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating state police, assuring Nigerians that adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse.
“There will be state police, and there will be guardrails to protect it from abuses,” he said.
Tinubu also said the government is strengthening the capacity of forest guards to tackle criminal groups hiding in forests across the country.
“We are enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. They will chase criminals and deal with them in various forests,” he added.
Background
Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while in captivity.
The Presidency announced on July 10 that the remaining victims had regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
Source: Presidency.
