President Tinubu has reinforced the government’s position that no ransom should be paid to criminals who have abducted individuals. He has reiterated this policy to the Ministry of Defence and other security agencies.

Following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, which was chaired by President Tinubu and attended by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the government’s position on not paying ransom to criminals was reiterated.

This is happening in response to reports of kidnapped children in Kaduna State who are still being kept captive by their captors and who are requesting billions of dollars to be freed.

He said, “In council today, Mr. President reiterated his directive to the security agencies and the ministry of defence to ensure that those of our kids that have been abducted by these criminal gangs are brought back to their homes safely.

“And Mr President has also reiterated his zero tolerance for payment of ransom. That was also mentioned by Mr. President at the council today. So the security agencies are working around the clock.

“So these children and people that have been abducted by criminal elements will be brought back to safety pretty soon. The security agencies are working hard in that direction. And Mr. President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by government to any of these criminal elements. It is important that it be put out there.”