…Unveils fresh security strategy against terrorists, kidnappers
By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s refusal to pay ransom to terrorists and kidnappers, declaring that the Federal Government is implementing new security strategies to combat rising insecurity across the country.
Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadanland and members of the Olubadan-in-Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for the recent rescue operation in Oyo State, describing it as evidence of the effectiveness of coordinated military action and the need for sustained support for the nation’s security agencies.
He said the evolving security situation had compelled the government to continuously review its strategies, operational tactics and security architecture to address emerging threats more effectively.
According to Tinubu, every security challenge presents an opportunity to identify operational gaps and strengthen the country’s response mechanisms.
Reiterating his administration’s hardline stance against ransom payments, the President said the government would rely on intelligence-driven and strategic military operations to confront terrorists and kidnappers.
“And as you have seen, we will give them a geographical and numerical answer to these challenges. We refuse to pay ransom; we have the geography of the forest, we know what it holds, and we have an answer to it,” he said.
Tinubu also announced that the Nigerian Army is being expanded, with the number of divisions set to increase from eight to 12 in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing response time and enhancing the military’s ability to tackle terrorism and other forms of violent crime.
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As part of broader security reforms, the President disclosed that his administration is advancing plans to establish state police to improve grassroots security and strengthen local responses to criminal activities.
He said the proposed state police system would include constitutional and institutional safeguards to prevent abuse while enabling security personnel to respond more effectively to threats within their jurisdictions.
Tinubu further urged traditional rulers to play a more active role in supporting security efforts, describing them as critical stakeholders in intelligence gathering and community policing.
He added that the Federal Government is strengthening the capacity of forest guards to support security agencies in flushing out criminals who exploit forests as operational bases.
The President assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to enhance the country’s security architecture through stronger collaboration with traditional institutions, improved military capacity and new strategies aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
