Nigerians have been urged by National Security Advisor (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu to refrain from offering ransom to kidnappers and bandits.
On Tuesday, April 8, when releasing 60 abducted victims who had been freed from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, to their families, Ribadu made a plea.
He claimed that the freed victims demonstrated that security forces are capable of rescuing kidnapped individuals without having to pay a ransom.
“Today, we are releasing 60, and hopefully that will be the final one from that part of Nigeria. Last week, we did about 50.
“I want to once again use the opportunity to thank our armed forces, our security forces, and indeed, the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who work daily to restore order, security, and stability.
“We are getting freedom back for our people. We will continue to do so. We will not relent, and we will not stop,” NAN quoted him to have saying.
Ribadu stressed that the victims comprised 35 males and 25 females.
While noting that the security agencies are working to arrest the perpetrators, he asked Nigerians to stop paying ransom to the kidnappers.
“I also want to use this opportunity to talk to our people to please stop giving money to these people. It is one of the worst things happening.
“The families of many of these people, as you see them, gave money to their abductors, but it did not lead to their release. It is the security forces that rescued them.
READ ALSO: Uromi Massacre: Edo Governor Okpebholo Vows Full Compensation for Victims’ Families
“I want to make a very strong appeal to all, it is understandable that when your person is in captivity, you will do whatever it takes to get him or her back. But this is counterproductive,” he added.
Over the years, Nigeria has faced kidnappings and banditry attacks, particularly in the northwestern and northeastern parts of Nigeria.
