Nigerian lawmaker Yusuf Adamu Gadgi calls for decisive action against bandits over ransom payments
Yusuf Adamu Gadgi, a member of the Federal Constituency in Plateau State and representative of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam, is advocating a different strategy in the fight against banditry. In an interview with TVC News, Gadgi stressed that ransom payments to criminals should not be considered, emphasizing that killing these criminals would eliminate their ability to collect ransoms.
Gadgi acknowledged the emotional stress faced by families of kidnapping victims but maintained his stance, explaining that military action offers a more effective long-term solution. He cited a successful rescue operation in Oyo State as proof, highlighting how decisive security measures can bring better outcomes than negotiations with criminal groups.
“I don’t believe in paying bandit ransoms; kill them and they won’t exist to demand any,” Gadgi said during the interview. This approach is seen by many as a hard-hitting way of reducing abductions and kidnappings, which have affected Nigerian families over recent years.Why prioritize military action?
Gadgi argues that ransom negotiations not only fail to solve the problem but can also encourage criminal groups to continue their activities. He further criticized government programs aimed at rehabilitating former insurgents, perceiving these as unfair and a waste of taxpayers' money, which could be better spent directly supporting victims.
Concerns over rehabilitated fighters
Gadgi expressed concerns regarding the possibility that rehabilitated ex-fighters might relapse or become security threats. He advocates for a focus on confronting and neutralizing armed criminals rather than granting amnesty or rehabilitation, suggesting this approach could prevent future criminal activities and ensure national security.