Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, says the Federal Government has maintained a strict no-ransom policy despite ongoing speculation surrounding the release of kidnapped schoolchildren.
Speaking on Channels TV on Wednesday, Bwala stressed that unlike previous administrations where negotiations were sometimes deployed to save lives, the Tinubu government “operates a zero-tolerance policy on negotiation with terrorists.”
He argued that ransom payments fuel insecurity by indirectly financing terror groups. According to him, “Instead of targeting sponsors, ransom only helps terrorists buy more weapons. The Federal Government does not, and will not, tolerate negotiation.”
Asked about the recent release of abducted pupils in Kebbi and those taken from St. Mary’s, he said multiple factors — including pressure from negotiators, religious leaders, or intelligence operations — can contribute to such outcomes, but insisted: “The Federal Government did not pay ransom.”
Bwala added that terrorist propaganda videos claiming negotiations took place were expected, saying terrorism thrives on fear and misinformation.
The presidential aide said the administration inherited longstanding security challenges but remains focused on addressing them.
