Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa emphasized a strict policy against negotiating with or paying ransoms to terrorists in Nigeria. He articulated that such actions only serve to empower criminals and enable them to regroup and plan further attacks. Musa’s remarks come at a time when the House of Representatives is advocating for more transparent prosecution of terrorism-related cases to combat the rising tide of violent crime in the country.
The Senate is also considering amendments to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which includes proposals for harsher penalties, such as the death penalty for kidnappers and those who support them. Musa underscored the importance of enforcing a ban on ransom payments, asserting that the financial transactions involved in such payments could be monitored through Nigeria’s banking system if properly utilized.
He highlighted that military operations are only a fraction of the overall counter-insurgency strategy, accounting for about 25-30% of the efforts needed to combat terrorism. Musa pointed out that underlying issues such as poverty, illiteracy, and ineffective governance contribute significantly to the environment that fosters criminal activity. He called on state and local governments to take a more proactive role in community intelligence and intervention.
Furthermore, Musa criticized the sluggish pace of Nigeria’s justice system, particularly regarding the handling of terrorism and kidnapping cases. He noted that prolonged trials demoralize security forces who risk their lives to apprehend suspects. To address these challenges, he proposed the establishment of special terrorism courts, stronger penalties, and expedited legal processes to ensure timely justice.
