The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has stated that the government will no longer negotiate with or pay ransom to terrorists, as doing so only emboldens them and enables further.
He made this remark during his screening at the Senate, where he emphasized the need to identify and dismantle terrorist networks.
He also called for the speedy prosecution of terrorists, noting that delays in trials demoralize security personnel.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has recommended that terrorism trials be conducted publicly, with witness protection in place, along with the implementation of new security strategies, including surveillance technology, increased security personnel, legal reforms, and stronger international cooperation.
The Senate has also initiated amendments to the anti-terrorism law to introduce the death penalty for kidnappers, their sponsors, and informants.
The Defence Minister further revealed plans to withdraw soldiers from roadside checkpoints and redeploy them into forests to enhance the protection of farmers and rural communities.
