𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗙𝗚 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

The Federal Government is considering the reintroduction of the cashless policy as part of measures to tackle the growing menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities across the country.

Security sources disclosed that the proposal is being reviewed alongside ongoing military and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and disrupting their financial channels.

According to the sources, the renewed cashless framework is expected to make ransom payments easier to trace and limit the ability of criminal groups to operate through unmonitored cash transactions.

Security officials noted that kidnappers often demand cash payments because such transactions are difficult for authorities to track, adding that electronic financial systems could provide useful intelligence for law enforcement agencies.

A security expert, Iyke Odife, described kidnapping for ransom as one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, stressing that criminals now target commuters, farmers, students, traditional leaders and rural communities.

Another analyst, Mohammed Sani, said a strengthened cashless system could improve monitoring of illegal financial activities but warned that its success would depend on reliable digital infrastructure, public confidence and effective enforcement.

Financial expert, Chukwudi Ayogu, also advised that proper banking infrastructure and wider financial inclusion would be necessary to prevent hardship for communities with limited access to formal banking services.

Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified operations to rescue 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were reportedly taken on May 15, 2026, after armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two nearby schools.

Security sources said troops and other agencies have tightened operations around a suspected hideout in the National Park forest, restricting the movement of the abductors.

Officials expressed optimism that the ongoing offensive would lead to the rescue of the victims and the dismantling of the criminal network behind the attack.