Security experts have urged the Federal Government to criminalise ransom payments to terrorists, warning that secret negotiations and payouts are fuelling insecurity across Nigeria.
They described the payment of ransom as the “biggest betrayal” in the fight against insurgency, insisting that it emboldens criminal networks and deepens violence nationwide.
The call was made during Boiling Point, a media programme broadcast on six radio stations and powered by the National Association of Seadogs, Ash Montana Deck.
‘Ransom Payments Empower Terrorists’
A retired US Army Major, Yinka Ogunsanya, strongly opposed ransom payments to terrorists, arguing that government-funded payouts directly strengthen insurgent groups.
“Government ransom payment is what is empowering the terrorists and further deepening insecurity. The practice of paying ransom to these criminals is a betrayal of the anti-insurgency war,” he said.
Ogunsanya backed the creation of state police but cautioned against blindly copying the American policing structure. He explained that the US model operates through multiple layers, – state police, county police, rangers and sheriffs working in coordinated synergy.
According to him, Nigeria must develop its own decentralised security framework rooted in grassroots intelligence and community collaboration.
He stressed that local policing offers faster response times, better cultural understanding and improved intelligence gathering.
“Local officers speak the language, know the families and understand the historical grievances of their communities,” he noted.
State Police With Safeguards
Also speaking, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Leye Oyebade supported the creation of state police but warned that structural reforms must come first.
He identified key concerns, including politicisation, poor intelligence sharing, weak inter-state cooperation and inadequate training.
“The architecture must consider interstate synergy. Without this, suspects can simply flee across state lines,” Oyebade warned.
He also highlighted the impact of evolving technology on crime, stressing that cybercrime and digital offences require specialised training and increased funding.
Monarch Weighs In
Delivering the keynote address titled “Decentralised Security Architecture: Redefining Federal and States Roles in State Policing as Nigeria Battles Escalating Insecurity”, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, said fears about abuse of state police powers, funding gaps and delayed response times must be addressed before implementation.
Security stakeholders agreed that decentralised policing could strengthen Nigeria’s internal security but only if carefully structured to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
