Former Senator representing Bayelsa East, Ben Murray-Bruce, has applauded the Federal Government’s handling of the recent abduction case in Oyo State, saying the successful rescue of the victims reflects a more strategic approach by Nigeria’s security agencies in tackling kidnapping.
Murray-Bruce made the remarks in a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, where he also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, describing the decision as one of the administration’s best.
According to the former lawmaker, the fact that the abducted victims regained their freedom without reports of physical abuse suggests that the country’s security response to kidnapping is evolving.
He stated, “The release of the abducted victims in Oyo State should make every Nigerian pause and reflect.
They regained their freedom without the horrific abuse that so often accompanies kidnappings, and that did not happen by chance.”
Murray-Bruce said security agencies are beginning to take the initiative in confronting kidnappers instead of allowing criminal groups to determine the course of events.
“What many may not appreciate is that the Nigerian state is increasingly learning to negotiate from a position of strength rather than weakness.
In the case of Oyo, instead of allowing kidnappers to dictate the terms, our security architecture used the kidnappers’ tactics against them by taking their families and loved ones into confinement, therefore applying pressure where it hurts most.
“Kidnappers must know that whatever they do to innocent Nigerians will be meted out to their families and loved ones in return,” he stated.
He further described Ribadu’s security strategy as both unconventional and effective in raising the risks associated with kidnapping.
He added, “This is precisely why I have repeatedly said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser is one of the finest decisions of this administration.
His approach is strategic, unconventional and focused on making kidnapping an increasingly costly enterprise for those who engage in it.”
The former senator maintained that lasting success against kidnapping depends on creating strong deterrents for those involved in the crime.
“The day every kidnapper understands that crime will bring overwhelming consequences, not only for the perpetrators themselves but for their families, is the day kidnapping will begin to lose its appeal. Deterrence, backed by intelligence and the full weight of the law, is how nations win this fight,” he wrote.
He added, “And note, a big beautiful prison will be built for kidnappers and their families!”
Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s major security concerns, particularly across parts of the North-West, North-Central and South-West, where criminal groups have repeatedly targeted commuters, farmers, students and residents.
Over the years, successive governments have adopted military operations, intelligence-driven policing and legislative measures to combat the crime, although attacks continue to occur in several parts of the country.
The Oyo abduction case is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents that have reignited discussions on the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture and the need for stronger measures to tackle kidnapping syndicates.