We must treat kidnappers as terrorists – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has condemned what he called the “reprehensible acts” perpetrated by kidnappers across the country, saying individuals involved in such despicable crimes must be treated as terrorists.

The president stated this on Tuesday at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Tinubu, who renewed the government’s resolve to defeat banditry, said those who resorted to kidnapping children were cowards, incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.  

“We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them,’’ the President said at the dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

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On the review of salaries of judicial officers, the president pledged that his administration would continue to implement necessary reforms to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria commended the administration for achieving a significant milestone by appointing a full complement of 21 justices to the Supreme Court, a feat he described as unprecedented.

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