Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A member of the House of Representatives representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State, Yusuf Adamu Gadgi, has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria's approach to tackling banditry, insisting that the government should focus on eliminating criminal groups rather than negotiating with them or rehabilitating surrendered fighters. Speaking during an interview with TVC News on Sunday, 12 July 2026, Gadgi acknowledged the emotional burden faced by families of kidnapping victims, saying he understood why many choose to pay ransom in desperate attempts to secure the release of their loved ones. "It is often very traumatic, especially for family members whose loved ones have been kidnapped and they are asked to pay ransom. I don't blame them," Gadgi said. However, he stressed that his position remains firmly against ransom payments, insisting that military action offers a more effective long-term solution. "I don't believe in the school of thought that says pay bandit ransom. If you kill these people, they will not even exist to collect ransom," he said.
Gadgi pointed to what he described as the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State through security operations, arguing that decisive military action should replace negotiations with criminal groups. He maintained that Nigeria's security forces should focus on confronting and neutralising armed criminals rather than granting them amnesty or rehabilitation. "Don't give them ransom, kill them. When they kill innocent people, the security agencies should equally eliminate them whenever they apprehend them," he declared.
The federal lawmaker also criticised government programmes that rehabilitate former insurgents and bandits, describing them as unfair to victims and their families. He argued that taxpayers' money should not be channelled to rehabilitating individuals who had taken part in violent crimes, but rather to supporting those affected by such acts. "Taxpayers' money should not be channelled to the so-called rehabilitation. Instead, let the money be channelled to the families of the victims, not to someone who killed your relatives," he said.
Gadgi further warned that some rehabilitated ex-fighters could return to criminal activities or compromise national security by providing intelligence to armed groups. He urged security agencies to remain focused on tracking down and neutralising armed criminals, insisting that a firm security response is the most effective way to curb banditry and restore peace across the country. His comments come amid ongoing debates over the government's approach to insecurity, with some stakeholders advocating for dialogue and rehabilitation while others, like Gadgi, argue for a more aggressive military strategy.
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