Will Not Pay a Dime”: Defence Minister- Musa Sends Strong Warning Stand Against Terrorism, Kidnapping in Nigeria

In a clear and firm message to the nation, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has declared that the federal government will not pay ransom to terrorists or kidnappers — under any circumstance. According to his statement, the government will pursue violent criminals relentlessly, especially those responsible for killing people, abducting children, and ravaging communities. This position was asserted in response to probing by northern elders who have been vocal in discussions about insecurity across the country. �
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🔎 A Different Approach to Security
General Musa distinguished between different forms of criminality and how the state should respond:
Terrorists and violent kidnappers: He stressed that the government will never pay ransoms to these groups. Instead, the focus will be on military and intelligence-led operations to rescue kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. �
Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
Niger Delta militants: The Defence Minister described this situation as distinct, noting that their kidnappings have traditionally been to demand ransom, often without killing innocent victims or destroying homes — unlike the more brutal tactics used by terrorist groups in the north and northwest. (This comment recognizes the differing motives and histories of the various armed groups.) �
Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
Musa’s stance aligns with ongoing federal messaging that negotiating with kidnappers or paying ransoms only emboldens criminal networks, allowing them to grow stronger and more violent. �
Businessday NG
🛡️ The Government’s Security Strategy
Under General Musa’s leadership, the defence ministry is emphasizing a blend of approaches:
Intelligence-led military pressure — security forces are being deployed aggressively to locate and disrupt criminal hideouts so that kidnappers abandon captives during operations. �
Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
Discouraging ransom payments — state and local governments have also been urged not to negotiate or release suspects as part of peace deals, because this undermines broader security efforts. �
Businessday NG
Collaboration across agencies — Musa has underscored the importance of better cooperation between the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, and various security agencies to manage internal and external threats more effectively. �
defence.gov.ng
This strategic shift represents a more assertive posture compared with approaches that have sometimes relied on negotiated releases or local peace deals. It reflects an effort to remove financial incentives for criminality and make Nigeria’s security architecture less vulnerable to exploitation.
📍 Why This Matters Now
Nigeria has experienced a worrying rise in mass kidnappings, including attacks on schools and places of worship, especially in the northern and northwest regions. Recent military operations have succeeded in freeing dozens of hostages and reducing the mobility of armed groups, though the threat persists. �
reuters.com
General Musa’s message — no ransom, no negotiations, and decisive action — seeks to reassure Nigerians that government policy is evolving in response to changing tactics by armed criminals, and that protecting lives and restoring public safety is the top priority.