Ben Kalu Moves to Punish Officials Who Negotiate Ransom
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says it is time to hold government officials accountable for the way they respond to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
Speaking during a special House session on national security, Kalu proposed a new measure that would introduce penalties for any government official who secretly negotiates ransom payments with kidnappers.
Kalu explained that this plan, which he hopes will be in place within the next six months is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s response to banditry and violent crime.
According to him, the new proposal will:
1. Legally ban ransom negotiations by government officials.
2. Criminalize any authorization of unstructured amnesty deals.
3. Mandate prosecution of all banditry suspects through the proper justice system.
He stressed that ransom payments only fuel more kidnappings, especially now when Nigeria is facing one of its most serious security challenges.
In recent weeks, gunmen have abducted schoolchildren, worshippers, and residents across several states, raising national anxiety and putting pressure on security agencies.
Kalu also renewed calls for better policing, including speeding up moves to create state or local police, and equipping law enforcement with modern equipments to stay ahead of criminals.
“Nigeria’s security challenges demand urgent action,” he told lawmakers, noting that federal and state authorities cannot keep relying on outdated systems when the threat keeps evolving.
The session was held at a time when President Bola Tinubu’s administration has already taken several steps in response to the crisis, including:
• Directing security forces to take tougher action
• Withdrawing police officers from VIP escorts
• Postponing presidential foreign trips due to the killings and kidnappings
Kalu believes that firm legislation and not ransom deals is what will restore order and rebuild trust in the fight against insecurity.