President Bola Tinubu Rejects Ransom Payments and Expands Military

President Bola Tinubu announced that his administration will not negotiate with kidnappers or terrorists, maintaining a strict policy against paying ransoms. Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to traditional rulers from Oyo State, Tinubu detailed a recent case in the Oriire Local Government Area where criminals demanded ransom and the release of detained gang members; the government rejected both demands.

To address ongoing insecurity, the president announced the expansion of military divisions from eight to 12 to shorten response times. He further pledged the eventual establishment of state police with safeguards against abuse and enhanced capabilities for forest guards to track criminals.

These announcements followed the rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers on July 10, who had been abducted from schools in Oriire on May 15. The victims were held for 56 days, during which one teacher was killed. The delegation of traditional rulers, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, met with the president to commend the government's security response.