Major Yinka Ogunsanya, a retired United States Army officer, has voiced strong opposition against the practice of paying ransoms to terrorists, characterizing it as detrimental to Nigeria's fight against insecurity. Speaking on the media platform Boiling Point, Ogunsanya warned that such negotiations with terrorists, regardless of their context, weaken the nation’s counter-insurgency strategies. He emphasized that government authorities must recognize the implications of paying ransoms, as it not only empowers insurgent groups but also emboldens them, further destabilizing the already precarious security landscape in Nigeria.

The discussion took place during an online town hall meeting titled "Decentralised Security Architecture: Redefining Federal and States Roles in State Policing as Nigeria Battles Escalating Insecurity," which was organized as part of the Citizens Summit programme backed by the National Association of Seadogs, Ash Montana Deck. In his remarks, Ogunsanya highlighted the importance of a unified approach to tackling insecurity, stressing that the government's current measures, including potential reforms like state policing, could prove ineffective if not supported by a ban on ransom negotiations with terrorist organizations.

Moreover, Ogunsanya urged for a comprehensive security strategy that recognizes the multifaceted nature of Nigeria's security challenges. He indicated that without criminalizing ransom payments and establishing a detailed plan to address the root causes of terrorism, Nigeria's battle against insecurity will remain superficial and futile. His call to action stresses the urgent need for structural reforms and a dedicated legislative approach to redefine the country’s security paradigm.