Yusuf Adamu Gadgi, member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State, has reiterated his position on banditry, arguing that Nigeria should focus on eliminating criminal groups rather than negotiating with them or rehabilitating surrendered fighters.
Speaking during an interview with TVC News on Sunday, 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.
The lawmaker also criticised government programmes that rehabilitate former insurgents and bandits, describing them as unfair to victims and their families.
“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.
He expressed concern that some rehabilitated ex-fighters could return to criminal activities or compromise national security by providing intelligence to armed groups.
Gadgi 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 said.
‘Kill bandits, don’t pay ransom’ — Gadgi urges tougher security response