President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the Federal Government refused to negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers who abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that the victims were rescued through an intelligence-led military operation after 56 days in captivity.
The President made the disclosure on Thursday while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu said the abductors demanded both money and the release of detained members of their criminal gang, but the government rejected the conditions.
“We refused to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested. That was one of their conditions, outside of the money they were looking for.
“And we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder, and we were ready to finish with their families, members of their own communities. They grew up somewhere.
“I think we succeeded with your support and prayers. I agree that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance.
“On behalf of them, I accept your message, and I will forward the same thing and the same message on,” the President said.
Tinubu disclosed that his recent directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was a direct operational response to the Oriire abduction, aimed at reducing response time and strengthening the military’s capacity to combat terrorism and banditry.
He explained that the rescue operation succeeded because security forces possessed detailed intelligence and geographical knowledge of the forest where the victims were held.
“As we emphasise the question of security, each event teaches us new methods, opens our eyes, challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategy, our map and operations.
“And you would have seen we’ve given a geographical and numerical answer to the challenges. We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest.
“We know what it is, and in answer to it, you’ve seen that from eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions, to shorten the response time, to give that response time the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.
The President also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying the proposed system would include safeguards to prevent abuse.
“It is very necessary, and we are doing so. We have equally embarked upon what was missing; several decades of fears and uncertainty about what to do about security at the local level will be corrected.
“There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails from abuses. We will protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play more,” he added.
Tinubu attributed the worsening security situation partly to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, saying insurgency in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic had intensified Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Some of them are non-Nigerians. You see the problem of insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic is adding more fuel to our challenges.
“In fact, that is why we must enhance the capacity of the forest guards as well as create the state police,” he said.
He announced plans to retrain and re-equip forest guards, saying they would become part of the country’s frontline security architecture.
“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” he said.
The President urged traditional rulers to encourage residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible intelligence.
“The mention of intelligence is very important, and I want you to take it to our people, to be extra vigilant, to look at things critically, know their neighbourhoods, know their areas, report strange people,” he said.
Tinubu also called on state governments to channel increased federal allocations into road infrastructure to improve access for security agencies and boost economic development.
“The economy of operation is high. But the money that I’m pushing to the states, if you had it during your own time, or during my time, it would have been different.
“They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay.
“They should do more; instead of flying over where there is no numerical traffic, build roads and artery networks to really enhance the quality of life and the accessibility of the security agencies to penetrate those areas,” he said.
The President pledged to hold regular consultations with traditional rulers across the country and commended members of the Armed Forces and other security personnel for their efforts.
“I will be calling meetings of so many of you traditional leaders to listen to you and offer some suggestions throughout the country.
“The immediate challenge is monumental. It’s not an easy job, but I asked for the job, and I got it. You gave me the support, and I got to do it.
“I accept the assets and liabilities of my predecessor, so that’s the challenge of today,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Oba Ladoja said the visit was to appreciate the President and the Armed Forces for securing the release of the Oriire abductees.
“We are here to thank you, Mr President, over the recent release of Oriire kidnapped victims from captivity.
“This is why we believe that the efforts of both President Tinubu and all stakeholders are commendable,” he said.
Ladoja also commended the Federal Government for ongoing road projects in Oyo State, including the proposed dualisation of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, Ogbomoso–Ilorin Road and the Badagry–Sokoto Highway through the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun axis, saying the projects would improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the state.
