Tinubu says kidnappers must be treated as terrorists 

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President Bola Tinubu has strongly denounced the abhorrent actions carried out by kidnappers nationwide, declaring that individuals involved in such despicable crimes must be treated as terrorists.

According to Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President made this declaration on Tuesday during a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The dinner saw the presence of serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Tinubu emphasised the government’s determination to combat banditry, labeling those who resort to kidnapping children as cowards who are incapable of facing the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

”We must categorize kidnappers as terrorists. They operate out of cowardice, targeting soft targets such as schools to cause chaos. Treating them as terrorists is essential for their eradication, and I assure you, we will eliminate them,” asserted the President.

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Regarding the review of judicial officers’ salaries, President Tinubu assured that his administration would continue implementing reforms to enhance the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

Acknowledging the judiciary’s unrewarded responsibilities and slow progress in modernization, he expressed a perspective of fair compensation benefiting all.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to the judiciary for their dedicated service, affirming mutual support towards a brighter future for Nigeria.

In earlier remarks, Chief Justice Ariwoola commended the President for hosting judicial officers to a Ramadan dinner, praising his commitment to judicial reforms and welfare improvements.

He prayed for blessings upon the President’s administration and lauded the milestone of appointing a full complement of 21 justices to the Supreme Court.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, thanked the President for forwarding the executive bill titled “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc., Bill 2024” to the National Assembly.

Expressing appreciation for the President’s courage and compassion, Fagbemi highlighted the significant increase in judges’ salaries and commended the President’s enduring interest in judicial matters.