RismadarVoice Reporters
July 30, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the Federal Government of Nigeria will not negotiate with criminal groups or accede to their demands, pledging to strengthen intelligence-driven operations in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
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.
Tinubu lauded members of the Armed Forces for their role in recent rescue operations and acknowledged the support of traditional rulers in efforts to improve security across the country.
According to him, recent security incidents, including the abduction of pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have prompted the government to reassess its security architecture and operational strategies.
The President disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and strengthen the military’s operational capacity in tackling terrorism and banditry.
Tinubu said his administration rejected demands made by kidnappers during the Oriire abduction, revealing that the criminal group sought not only ransom payments but also the release of detained gang members.
He maintained that the government would not negotiate with criminals or compromise the justice system by releasing suspects facing prosecution.
The President added that insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic has contributed to cross-border security challenges confronting Nigeria.
To address the situation, he said the government is strengthening the operations of forest guards and pursuing the establishment of state police with constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse.
According to Tinubu, the proposed forest guards will be equipped to combat criminal elements operating in forests across the country, while state police will complement existing security structures. He also stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, urging traditional rulers to encourage residents to remain vigilant, monitor activities within their communities and promptly report suspicious individuals to security agencies.
The President further called on state governors to utilise increased federal allocations for projects that enhance infrastructure and improve security, particularly road networks that facilitate rapid deployment of security personnel.
Tinubu expressed confidence that the country’s security situation was gradually improving and assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to investing in security agencies and supporting their operations.
Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the President for his handling of the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, particularly his decision not to pay ransom. The monarch also appealed for sustained security operations in forest reserves and the continued execution of infrastructure projects across Oyo State to support development and improve public safety.
