Oyo Schoolchildren: No Ransom Payment Reinforces Authority of State — Yakasai

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and Director General of the Tinubu Support Group, Umar Tanko Yakasai, has described the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State without the payment of ransom as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

Speaking on Wednesday, Yakasai said the successful operation demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to its policy of refusing to negotiate with criminal groups or grant concessions to terrorists.

He also criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent call for a United Nations-led investigation into the kidnapping, describing the proposal as “preposterous,” politically motivated and capable of creating unnecessary divisions.

According to Yakasai, intelligence reports indicated that the kidnappers, identified as members of the Ansaru terrorist group, had demanded the release of one of their detained commanders in exchange for the victims.

He, however, noted that the Federal Government maintained its non-capitulation policy throughout the 56-day captivity.

“Every victim was rescued alive without ransom being paid or concessions being granted. That outcome reinforces the authority of the state and denies criminal organisations the incentive to profit from kidnapping,” he said.

Yakasai attributed the successful rescue to increased investment in Nigeria’s defence and security sectors under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He cited consecutive increases in defence spending aimed at improving military capabilities, personnel welfare and operational readiness.

The APC chieftain highlighted several military acquisitions by the Federal Government, including a $1.2 billion agreement for 24 M-346 FA fighter jets from Italian aerospace company Leonardo, describing it as the largest military aircraft procurement in West Africa.

He also referenced an $801 million agreement with the United States for the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, alongside a separate $618 million facility approved by the Federal Executive Council to strengthen Nigeria’s air defence infrastructure.

Yakasai further commended what he described as effective collaboration between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government during efforts to secure the victims’ release.

He urged politicians across party lines to avoid politicising issues relating to national security, stressing that terrorism remains a common threat requiring collective action.

“Terrorism does not distinguish between political parties, ethnic groups or religious communities; neither should our determination to defeat it,” he stated.