Oriire: Why We Refused To Negotiate With Terrorists — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government rejected negotiations with terrorists who abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire community, Oyo State, insisting that his administration would not reward criminal groups by yielding to their demands.

The President spoke on Thursday during a meeting with the Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.

Tinubu said the abductors wanted the government to free members of their criminal network already in custody in addition to demanding ransom. He said the administration rejected the conditions because doing so would encourage further criminal activities across the country.

He stated that the government was determined to send a clear message that kidnapping and terrorism would no longer be tolerated or rewarded. According to him, the authorities chose to confront the criminals rather than bargain with them, despite the pressure surrounding the abduction.

The President’s remarks came weeks after security agencies rescued all 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped from Oriire community. The victims regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.

Tinubu also blamed the worsening security situation on the influx of armed criminals crossing into Nigeria from neighbouring West African countries through porous borders. He said the development had increased pressure on security agencies and required stronger measures to safeguard communities.

To address the challenge, he said the Federal Government had restructured parts of the country’s security system, while also promoting the establishment of state police and expanding the role of forest guards to improve surveillance in remote areas.

The President also criticised some state governors, saying they had not given enough attention to protecting lives and property despite receiving larger allocations from the Federation Account. He urged them to invest more in security and road infrastructure that would improve access for security personnel instead of focusing on projects with limited public value.

Tinubu disclosed that he would begin holding regular meetings with traditional rulers across the country to receive advice and strengthen collaboration in tackling insecurity.

He acknowledged that Nigeria’s security challenges remain enormous but maintained that his administration accepted the responsibility of addressing them after assuming office.

Earlier, the Olubadan commended the President and the nation’s security agencies for securing the safe release of the abducted teachers and pupils without yielding to the kidnappers’ demands.

The monarch described the operation as a major achievement that restored public confidence and demonstrated the government’s resolve against kidnapping.

He, however, advised the Federal Government not to relax security operations in the forests stretching from Oyo State to Niger State, warning that criminals could return if the areas were left unguarded.

The traditional ruler also praised ongoing federal infrastructure projects in Oyo State, expressing hope that continued investment would improve transportation and security across the state.