President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s hardline position against negotiating with kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminal groups, declaring that the Federal Government will neither pay ransom nor exchange detained criminals for abducted victims under any circumstance.

The President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a revealing account of a recent kidnapping incident involving schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Tinubu disclosed that the abductors demanded both ransom payments and the release of their gang members already in custody. However, he said the government refused to bow to the pressure.

"We refuse to negotiate with criminals. They wanted us to release members of their criminal gangs already in detention in addition to demanding money, but we said no deal. We will not negotiate with murderers and terrorists," the President declared.

The revelation provides one of the strongest indications yet that criminal gangs operating in Nigeria are increasingly adopting tactics associated with terrorist organizations, including prisoner-swap demands alongside ransom requests.

Rescue Operation Validates Security Strategy

Tinubu said the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims demonstrated the effectiveness of the government's evolving security strategy and praised members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their courage and professionalism.

According to him, every security operation offers valuable lessons that help authorities refine strategies, strengthen operational plans and improve the country's capacity to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime.

"I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the Armed Forces for their excellent performance. Every security operation teaches us new lessons, challenges us to review our security architecture and strengthens our determination to defeat terrorism and banditry," he said.

Army Expansion, State Police Take Centre Stage

As part of efforts to tackle growing security threats, Tinubu announced that the Federal Government is expanding the Nigerian Army from eight divisions to twelve, a move aimed at increasing operational coverage and reducing response time across the country.

Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal conflicts in the North-Central region, separatist violence in parts of the South-East and rising cases of kidnapping nationwide.

The President also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, insisting that constitutional safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse.

"There will be state police, but with guardrails against abuse. Traditional rulers will also have greater roles to play. We are equally enhancing the capacity of forest guards, not to chase animals, but to pursue criminals and deal decisively with them," he said.

The state police debate has remained a contentious issue for years, with advocates arguing that decentralized policing would improve intelligence gathering and response capabilities, while critics fear political interference by state governments.

Sahel Crisis Fueling Cross-Border Crime

Tinubu warned that worsening instability in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic has contributed to increased cross-border criminal activities in Nigeria.

He disclosed that investigations into the Oriire kidnapping revealed that some of the perpetrators were foreign nationals, underscoring concerns about the influx of armed groups, illegal weapons and transnational criminal networks through Nigeria's porous borders.

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The President stressed that intelligence gathering remains a critical weapon in the fight against insecurity and urged traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by encouraging residents to report suspicious movements and unfamiliar individuals within their communities.

"We are enhancing the capacity of the forest guards. They will not only protect wildlife; they will pursue criminals in the forests. Intelligence is important, and I urge people to be vigilant, know their neighbourhoods and report strangers," he stated.

‘Security Situation Is Improving’

Despite acknowledging the scale of the country's security challenges, Tinubu expressed optimism that ongoing reforms were beginning to produce positive results.

"The immediate challenge is monumental, but I asked for this responsibility and I accept both its assets and liabilities. I can assure Nigerians that the security situation is improving," he said.

The President urged citizens to support and encourage military personnel and police officers, describing them as frontline defenders making enormous sacrifices to keep the nation safe.

Tinubu to Governors: Build Roads, Not Unnecessary Flyovers

Beyond security, Tinubu advised state governors to channel more resources into road construction and critical infrastructure rather than investing in flyover projects where traffic volumes do not justify such expenditure.

According to him, improved road networks would not only enhance economic activities but also enable security agencies to access vulnerable communities more effectively.

"You need to help us communicate to these governors. Today, the economy of operation is high. They are receiving significantly more resources than before. Instead of constructing flyovers where there is no numerical traffic, they should focus on roads and arterial networks that improve people's lives and allow security agencies to penetrate difficult areas," he said.

Traditional Rulers Hail Anti-Kidnapping Stance

Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the President's handling of the recent kidnapping crisis in Oyo State, describing the government's refusal to pay ransom as a major turning point in Nigeria's fight against abduction-for-ransom crimes.

"We were apprehensive after that first major kidnapping in Oyo State, but between you and your security people, you have made a turning point. The fact that you did not pay ransom shows we now have a government that knows what it is doing," the monarch said.

Oba Ladoja also called for stronger security presence in the expansive forest corridor linking Oyo, Niger and Kwara states, warning that the area could become a haven for criminal groups if left unchecked.

He further applauded the Federal Government's infrastructure projects in Oyo State, noting that ongoing projects valued at over N2 trillion, alongside road improvements, have the potential to boost economic growth and strengthen security across the region.

Tinubu concluded by pledging continued engagement with traditional rulers nationwide, describing them as indispensable partners in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution and community-based security efforts.