Lawmaker says kill bandits, don't pay ransom — is he right?

Yusuf Adamu Gadgi, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State, has come out strongly again on the banditry issue. Speaking on TVC News today, he said Nigeria should focus on eliminating criminal groups rather than negotiating or rehabilitating them. His exact words: "I don't believe in the school of thought that says pay bandit ransom. If you kill these people, they will not even exist to collect ransom."

I understand why families pay ransom. Gadgi himself acknowledged this — he said it is traumatic when your loved one is kidnapped and you are asked to pay. But his point is that the long-term solution is military action. He cited the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State as proof that security operations can work. And he is livid about government spending on rehabilitating former insurgents. "Taxpayers' money should not be channelled to the so-called rehabilitation. Instead, let the money be channelled to the families of the victims, not to someone who killed your relatives," he said.

Now here is where I have a problem. Saying "kill them" sounds tough and decisive. But in practice, our security forces are not exactly known for precision. How many innocent villagers will be caught in the crossfire? And what about the intelligence that comes from surrendered fighters — if we kill everyone, we lose that. Gadgi's position is emotionally satisfying but practically dangerous. Am I the only one that thinks this approach sounds good on paper but will fail on the ground?