For Security Reasons, Stop Paying Ransom to Kidnappers, NSA Ribadu Appeals to Nigerians

National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu appealed to Nigerians to stop paying ransom to kidnappers.

Ribadu emphasized that paying ransom emboldens criminals and discourages attempts at securing the country. The call is coming as part of the broad efforts of the government in curbing the rising specter of kidnapping in Nigeria.

In his address at a security briefing, Ribadu described the negative effect of paying ransoms, which he claimed drives the cycle of abductions and encourages criminal gangs to continue their activities.

He explained that kidnappers rely on ransom payments for their living, and whenever a ransom is paid, there are increased chances of additional kidnappings.

“By paying ransom, we are inadvertently financing these criminals, enabling them to continue their criminal endeavors,” Ribadu said.

He also cited the success of the government in stopping kidnapping, where security agencies have been able to secure the release of thousands of kidnapped victims without paying ransom.

Ribadu pointed out that the security agencies of the government have been able to rescue victims with an astonishing 80% success rate, yet remain within the law and resisting the urge of paying ransom.

Ribadu’s appeal for the stoppage of ransom payment complies with provisions in Nigerian law. The Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill, 2022, provides that any individual or entity found taking part in the transfer of funds or conspiracy with the criminals to pay ransom for the release of kidnappers will undergo stiff legal action.

The law reveals that the said acts are a felony and can come with a minimum imprisonment of 15 years.

The NSA explained that the government wants to implement these laws and ensure that Nigerians are held to account for ransom payments.

“Paying a ransom is illegal, but also, it subsidizes the activities of those who victimize innocent Nigerians,” Ribadu declared.

Ribadu also indicated the terrible economic implication of kidnapping, as Nigerians had paid a staggering N2.2 trillion in ransom payments in 2024 alone. This staggering amount illustrates the magnitude of the epidemic of kidnapping and its economic cost as well as personal cost to both individuals and the country’s economy.

Ribadu called on Nigerians to appreciate more the dangers of paying ransom and support efforts towards tackling the issue.

In a bid to combat the increasing issue of kidnapping, the federal government has taken impressive steps towards consolidating security mechanisms. In December 2024, the government commissioned the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC), a collaborative effort by security agencies to ensure improved effectiveness of anti-kidnapping efforts. Ribadu was optimistic regarding the effect of this new endeavor, which has already achieved impressive success in combating kidnapping nationwide.

“MAAKFC is operating day and night to dismantle the kidnapping networks, and we are getting good results,” Ribadu said, adding that the program has made significant progress in reducing the number of kidnapping cases in the last few months.

Ribadu concluded his address by calling on Nigerians to help the government fight kidnapping by being cooperative with security agencies and avoiding actions that will inadvertently support the criminal elements. He further called on parents to report kidnappings promptly and cooperate with the authorities in every way to ensure victims are brought back safely.

“If we don’t pay ransoms, we can take away the economic foundation of these criminal gangs and make it harder for them to continue their operations,” Ribaad said. “United, we can put an end to this crisis and restore security to our communities.”

NSA Ribadu’s message is an important reminder to Nigerians that paying ransom is not only illegal but also sustains the kidnapping problem and generates the financial and societal costs of this crime.

With government programs like MAAKFC and increased security operations, Nigeria is committed to combating the problem straight on. But people’s cooperation and compliance with the law are essential to overcoming the threat of kidnapping and securing Nigerians throughout the nation.