Ex-DSS Director Shifts Stance on Ransom Payments After Personal Kidnapping Experience

• Former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, shifts stance on ransom payments after personal kidnapping experience, highlighting the urgent need for increased resources to tackle rising insecurity
• Ejiofor emphasized the economic hardships driving the surge in kidnappings and called for comprehensive measures to address root causes

Mike Ejiofor, former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), revealed a change in perspective on ransom payments after falling victim to kidnapping. Ejiofor, who previously discouraged families from paying ransoms, emphasized the desperate need for increased resources to address the rising insecurity.

In an interview with Vanguard, he expressed concern about the spate of kidnappings, particularly the recent killings of traditional rulers in Ekiti and Kwara states. Ejiofor acknowledged that while the issue is worrisome, it is not entirely out of control, attributing the challenge to insufficient resources.

Ejiofor pointed out that blaming the government solely is not the solution, emphasizing the need for proper oversight to ensure allocated funds for security are effectively deployed. He urged against the luxurious lifestyles of security agency leaders and emphasized the importance of directing funds toward resolving the crisis.

His personal experience shifted his perspective on ransom payments, stating, “Before I became a victim, I had often said people shouldn’t pay ransom. But that notion changed after I became a victim. He who feels it knows it. Unless you are not involved, you will do everything possible, including ransom payment, to release your relative.”

Acknowledging the government’s discouragement of ransom payments, Ejiofor suggested alternative measures such as government supervision of payments to gather information. However, he noted the reluctance of victims to cooperate with the police in such situations.

Economic hardships were highlighted as a driving force behind the surge in kidnappings, with Ejiofor describing it as an emerging industry. He attributed the escalation of criminality to people seeking quick financial gains amid economic challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes.