The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned Nigerians to stop paying ransom to terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal groups, saying it makes the problem worse.

He gave the warning on Tuesday in Kaduna State while receiving over 60 kidnap victims who had just been rescued. The victims included a deputy director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

The victims — 35 men and 29 women, including children — were held for over a month before they were rescued through military operations in Southern Kaduna.

While handing them over to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, Ribadu said paying ransom only encourages criminals to continue their violent acts.

“Let me urge our people, families, to stop giving ransom to these criminals. Please stop giving money to these people. The more money you give, the more you compound the problem,” Ribadu said.

“We have never given any money to any of these people. Giving money to these evil people is counterproductive. The more money you give them, the more they request for more.”

He said the rescue was made possible by the hard work and strong efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who have been targeting criminal camps in the area.

“Daily, we are getting our brothers and sisters rescued from the hands of these evil people. But releasing them is not the end of the matter. We will go after them and they will face the consequences,” he added.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, praised the NSA and the security forces for their joint efforts and success in dangerous areas.

“We have been working day and night, and I know the NSA does not sleep, all in a bid to ensure these security issues are resolved

“I want to thank Nigerians for the trust they are showing and for providing information which is assisting these successes.

“They should continue to have that trust in us, give us support by providing information because information is needed to overcome these evil people,” he said.

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