Tinubu: My govt won’t negotiate with terrorists

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will not negotiate with criminals, insisting that the government will intensify intelligence-driven operations to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

Tinubu stated this while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The president commended the armed forces for their role in recent rescue operations and acknowledged the support of traditional rulers in strengthening security efforts.

Tinubu said recent security challenges had prompted a review of the country’s security architecture and operational strategies.

“That event (Oyo school abduction) teaches us new methods, opens our eyes and challenges us to examine and re-examine our security architecture, strategy, map and operations,” he said.

Tinubu disclosed that he approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and strengthen operational effectiveness.

“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” Tinubu stated.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s refusal to negotiate with criminal groups or accede to their demands.

He said: “We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested.

“That was one of their conditions outside the money they were looking for, and we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals.”

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Tinubu said insecurity in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic had compounded Nigeria’s security challenges.

Tinubu added that the federal government was strengthening forest guards and pursuing the establishment of state police with safeguards against abuse.

“There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails against abuses. We will protect it from abuses, and you traditional rulers too will have a role to play more,” the president said.

He assured that forest guards would be equipped and empowered to confront criminals operating in forests nationwide.

Earlier, Ladoja commended Tinubu for his handling of the recent abduction in Oyo State, particularly the decision not to pay ransom.

“The fact that you did not pay ransom, the fact that you stood your ground shows that we now have a government that knows what is to be done. We cannot thank you enough for that feat,” he said.

The traditional ruler also urged the federal government to sustain security presence in forest reserves and continue ongoing infrastructure projects across Oyo State.