Fatimah Otunsanya
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), has said the Federal Government doesn’t pay ransom to kidnappers and terrorists.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, a video of which was seen by our correspondent on Friday, the minister explained that most rescue efforts by the military are based on intelligence and swift action.
He said, “I do not encourage that because if you continue to pay terrorists and kidnappers, everyone will join.
“Government doesn’t pay ransom to rescue anyone from terrorists. It is individuals who make such payments. Whenever there is a case of kidnapping, the military always swings into action.
Most times, when we hear of such incidents and the location is ascertained, we enter into the bush and the kidnappers run, leaving their captives, who are then rescued in the process.”
When asked why terrorists have still been able to operate freely, he said the country is too large, making it easy for them to change location.
“You should understand something. This country is big; if soldiers swing into action and cover a particular location, the terrorists immediately move to another location,” he said.
The minister further noted the need to erect fences on the borders, saying it will help curb the influx of terrorists into the country.
Musa added, “Yes, we are on that mission to ensure that we keep an eye on people coming in from neighbouring countries, so that they can be well documented.
“If we build it, it will help us prevent people from bringing illegal substances into the country, and it will also stop criminals from entering, carrying out attacks, and escaping. In addition to physical barriers, it is not everywhere that a wall can be built; there are places with water where a wall cannot be constructed.
“There are also modern technological devices that can be installed, which can monitor movements and show where people are coming from.”
He, however, called on citizens to assist the government with timely information instead of cooperating with insurgents.
“What is most important is for people to understand that when they see suspicious individuals like these, they should know where and how to report them. That is why we are appealing to the public: stop associating with them. Those who supply them with food or sell things to them should stop,” he said.
The minister also reiterated the military’s resolve to end the menace of terrorism in the country.
We are going to redouble our efforts in order to tackle issues of insecurity as the President gives all the necessary support. We will be deploying technologies and troops to those places that are under security threat and where there are insufficient troops.
“We are cooperating with neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, because this fight requires a collective effort,” he said.