Nigerians have been cautioned by the Federal Government against going public to raise money to secure the release of kidnap victims.
The government reminded those who have adopted the practice known as “crowdfunding” of the existence of a law against ransom.
It said the warning had become necessary because crowdfunding could worsen the rising cases of kidnapping.
Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru gave the warning while addressing reporters after yesterday’s Federal Executive Council) meeting in Abuja.
Also yesterday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced fresh measures to tackle the menace.
While Egbetokun, who launched a Special Intervention Squad (SIS), said the FCT would no longer be bandits’ sanctuary, Wike said arrangements had been concluded by the FCT administration to assist security agencies with logistics.
Reacting to reports of some members of the public openly soliciting for fund for abductees release, Badaru said not responding to ransom demands would make kidnapping less attractive.
Former Communications Minister, Isa Pantami personally announced raising over N50 million for the release of the daughters of a top National Population Commission (NPC) official Mansoor Al-Kadriya, abducted from their estate in the FCT last month.
Al-Kadriya was also kidnapped but was later released to go and raise N60 million for the release of his six daughters. The kidnappers killed one of the girls, Nabeeha last Friday because Al-Kadriya failed to make the payment.
The threat by the abductors to kill another of the girls prompted other members of the public to crowdfund to secure their freedom.
But the Defence minister said: ”We all know there’s an existing law against ransom payment. So, it is very sad for people to go over the internet and radio asking for donations to pay ransom. This will only worsen the situation, it will not help.
“If we stop, over time kidnapping will not be profitable and those involved in the crime will stop. It is not easy though but that is the law.”
Badaru blamed the high incidence of abductions in the FCT on bandits fleeing military operations in the Northwest and Northcentral.
He assured that security agencies were working round the clock to track down the kidnappers and prevent further abductions.
The minister said:” People are saying FCT, FCT, these kidnappings happen around the suburb, around now and locations that are bothering Kaduna and Niger states and this is as a result of the current operations going on in the Northwest and some parts of Northcentral.
“The bandits are fleeing, and they are getting shelters around these areas and the security agencies are working very hard to push them out, block the movement and finish this thing once and for all.
“The President has given us the marching order and all the support that we need and what the security agencies need to end this thing.”
*IG launches special squad Also in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun launched a special SIS) to curtail kidnapping, vowing that FCT would no longer be their sanctuary.
The SIS operatives will be deployed in all FCT area councils and some states. Each of the states will have 1,000 SIS operatives.
The police boss said: “The alarming rise in these criminal activities without equivocation, demands immediate and resolute action from us all. It is thus with a determined spirit that I proudly announce the inauguration of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
“This initiative is not just born out of necessity, but out of foresight, diligent planning and commitment to enhancing our nation’s capital’s already robust security architecture.
“Envisioned to include a thousand personnel in each state, the SIS is launched with officers and men from each tactical unit of the Police Force, supplemented by a formidable arsenal of operational assets, including sophisticated arms, drones, and vehicles.
“This deployment symbolises our unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our people, sending a clear message that criminal elements will find no sanctuary within the FCT, and by extension, Nigeria”.
The SIS later held a show of Force around Bwari Area Council.
I will make Abuja hot for bandits, Wike vows.
At a town hall meeting in Bwari, FCT minister Wike said his ministry would “do everything in our power to make sure that we do not allow kidnapping and other crimes to continue.”
Promising more logistics for security agencies, he warned “All those criminals, bandits must note that enough is enough.”.
The minister, however, advised residents of Bwari Area Council to stop paying ransom to kidnappers.
He said: “Just this (yesterday) morning, President Bola Tinubu gave me approval to provide every logistics required to the security agencies.
“Security agencies will not have any reason to say that they are not equipped. we will provide everything.
“We will not abandon you; security is one of the key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“It is not going to be business as usual. Everything has to be done to protect lives and properties. Without protection of lives and properties, then we have no business in government.
“We will do everything within our power to make sure that we do not allow this to happen again.”
Sarkin Bwari, Awwal-Musa Ijakoro, called on the Federal Government to establish mini-military barracks in the area.
He told the meeting that the kidnappers’ weapons were superior to those of security operatives.
“I want the Federal Government, the FCT minister and Police authorities to establish an Area Command for Bwari to take care of the influx of people to the area council.
“The bandits have more sophisticated weapons than our security men. Government should consider that Bwari Area Council is the closest to the FCT,” the monarch said.
