Nigerian Defense Minister Warns Against Negotiating with Bandits, Citing Risks of Ransom Payments

General Christoph Musa, the Nigerian Defense Minister, has issued a stern warning to governors against negotiating with bandits, citing the risks of strengthening criminal networks and worsening security. He emphasized that ransom payments only fuel the kidnapping crisis and urged citizens to report incidents to security agencies instead.

Musa highlighted a case in Katsina State where negotiations reportedly failed. The federal government discourages negotiations at sub-national levels to prevent confusion and empower security agencies.

He acknowledged the limitations of imposing direct control on civil authorities but stressed the need to halt ransom payments.