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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that the Federal Government will not negotiate with terrorists, bandits or other criminal groups, declaring that his administration remains committed to defeating insecurity through intelligence-driven operations and strengthened security architecture.
The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts in recent rescue operations and acknowledged the support of traditional rulers in complementing the government's security initiatives.
He said recent security incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, had prompted the Federal Government to reassess its security strategies and operational framework to better tackle emerging threats.
According to the President, the government has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and enhance operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Tinubu stressed that his administration would not yield to the demands of criminal groups, revealing that kidnappers had demanded the release of detained gang members in addition to ransom payments.
He maintained that the government rejected the demands because many of those in custody were accused of murder and other serious offences and must be made to face justice.
The President also attributed part of Nigeria's security challenges to instability in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic, saying the government was responding with stronger regional and domestic security measures.
He disclosed that plans were underway to establish state police with adequate safeguards against abuse, while traditional rulers would be assigned key roles in supporting community policing efforts.
Tinubu further said forest guards would be properly equipped and empowered to flush out criminal elements hiding in forests across the country, adding that the initiative was designed to strengthen internal security.
The President emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and urged traditional rulers to encourage residents to remain vigilant, monitor their communities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
He also called on state governors to channel increased federal allocations towards critical infrastructure and security-related projects that would improve safety and development.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that security conditions were steadily improving and pledged continued investment in the nation's security agencies. He also urged citizens to appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and police officers serving on the frontlines.
Earlier, Oba Rashidi Ladoja commended the President for refusing to pay ransom during the recent Oyo school abduction, describing the decision as a demonstration of firm and responsible leadership. He also appealed to the Federal Government to sustain security operations in forest reserves and accelerate ongoing infrastructure projects across Oyo State.
