Defence Minister Gen Musa Declares End to Negotiations and Ransom Payments to Terrorists

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has issued a firm directive stating that the Federal Government will no longer engage in negotiations or pay ransom to terrorist groups operating within the country. The minister made the declaration on Monday while addressing the worsening security challenges affecting several regions.

According to Gen Musa, paying ransom only strengthens criminal organisations, fuels further kidnappings and undermines national security efforts. He explained that the government’s new stance is designed to cut off the financial lifelines that have allowed extremist groups to grow in influence and operational capacity. The minister noted that previous ransom payments, though often initiated by desperate families or local authorities, have repeatedly served as incentives for terrorists to escalate their attacks.

Speaking during a security briefing in Abuja, the minister stressed that the administration is fully committed to restoring peace through coordinated military operations and improved intelligence gathering. He stated that, “allowing negotiations or ransom settlements only gives terrorists the impression that the government can be manipulated,” a position he reinforced by citing recent patterns of abductions in the North West and North East.

Security sources, reported by individuals familiar with the matter, confirmed that the ministry has been working closely with service chiefs to intensify offensive operations against armed groups across hotspots such as Zamfara, Kaduna and Borno. A senior officer added that this strategy aligns with the broader presidential directive to prioritise rescue missions and dismantle criminal enclaves rather than appeasing perpetrators.

Human rights advocates have noted that the decision will likely place increased pressure on security agencies to secure hostages without collateral damage. However, officials close to the minister said the government acknowledges these concerns and is prepared to deploy “precision based responses” that minimise risk to innocent civilians.

The directive comes amid public frustration over recurring mass abductions, including recent incidents that, according to local community leaders, have overwhelmed rural regions. Gen Musa’s announcement signals what analysts described as a pivotal shift toward a more uncompromising national security doctrine.

With the new policy in place, the Defence Ministry maintains that the era of rewarding terrorist violence is over, and that Nigeria will adopt a stronger, more self reliant approach in confronting those who threaten national stability.