NSA Sounds Alarm: Ransom Payments Now A National Threat – Nigerians Must Stop

National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly cautioned Nigerians against paying ransoms to kidnappers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ribadu issued the warning on Tuesday while receiving over 60 hostages recently freed from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, thanks to ongoing military operations.

Among the rescued victims—who had been held for more than a month—are a Deputy Director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. The group, which includes 35 males and 29 females and children, was officially handed over to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during a brief ceremony in Abuja.

In his remarks, Ribadu emphasized that paying ransoms only strengthens criminal networks.

“I urge families and communities: stop paying ransoms. It only fuels the menace. We have never paid for any rescue. Every ransom paid emboldens them to strike again,” Ribadu said.

He credited the successful operation to the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies. “Our armed forces and security services deserve special recognition. Their determination brought about this rescue,” he added.

Ribadu also praised President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to national security. “Thanks to the President’s continuous support, we are recording steady progress. But rescuing victims is not enough—we will pursue and prosecute the culprits,” he assured.

Echoing Ribadu’s stance, Defence Minister Abubakar lauded the coordinated work of the security agencies and appealed for more public collaboration.

“Our operatives, under the NSA’s leadership, are working tirelessly. We appreciate Nigerians for their trust and valuable tips, and we urge continued support through actionable intelligence,” Abubakar stated.