“Touch Nigerians, We Touch Your Family!” — Ben Bruce Backs Tough Anti-Kidnap Tactics

Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has commended the release of abducted victims in Oyo State, describing it as evidence that Nigeria’s security agencies are increasingly confronting kidnappers from a position of strength rather than weakness.

Reacting to the development, Murray-Bruce said the safe release of the victims without the kind of abuse often associated with kidnappings should make Nigerians “pause and reflect.”

“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,” he said.

According to Bruce, many Nigerians may not fully appreciate the changing approach of the country’s security architecture in dealing with kidnappers.

“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,” he emphasized.

He argued that kidnappers should understand that whatever harm they inflict on innocent Nigerians would be met with corresponding consequences.

“Kidnappers must know that whatever they do to innocent Nigerians will be meted out to their families and loved ones in return,” he declared.

Murray-Bruce also praised President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, describing it as one of the administration’s best decisions.

“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,” he enthused.

And, maintained that the fight against kidnapping would be won through deterrence, intelligence and strict enforcement of the law.

“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 ” the face of famous Silverbird Group insisted.

The former senator added: “And note, a big beautiful prison will be built for kidnappers and their families!”