How military rescued abducted victims without killing terrorists — Defence minister

Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) shed light on how security forces can rescue abducted victims without harming the terrorists responsible, amid public concern over kidnapping for ransom. Musa explained that troops often rescue victims by identifying the location of the terrorists, blocking their escape routes, and cutting off their access to essential supplies like food, water, fuel, and other necessities for survival.

He noted that terrorists often flee when confronted by security forces, leaving their captives behind. Musa emphasized that terrorists avoid death, so when confronted with any threat, such as a drone, they scatter and leave people behind. He highlighted the strategy of cutting off the oxygen supply to the terrorists, leading to their eventual demise.

Musa also cautioned against the distribution of motorcycles as palliatives, warning that these motorcycles often end up in the hands of terrorists, providing them with mobility and enabling them to enter and disappear. He urged state governors to reconsider this practice, suggesting the distribution of motorcycles with less capacity to prevent their misuse.

Additionally, Musa mentioned that ransom payments could aid in tracing terrorists, as the Central Bank of Nigeria is working to track funds linked to criminal activities.