Anyone paying kidnappers ransom is a criminal – Defence Minister Musa

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, says the Nigerian government does not pay ransom to Boko Haram terrorists or armed bandits despite reports that about N8 billion was collected from abducted Nigerians in one year.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Musa said ransom payments were illegal under Nigeria’s terrorism law and warned that anyone paying kidnappers was committing an offence.

The minister said security forces had improved their ability to rescue hostages by blocking escape routes and cutting off terrorists’ access to food, water and other supplies.

Musa also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for helping security agencies trace financial channels used by terrorists and kidnappers, according to The Peoples Gazette.