Former Defence Spokesperson, Gen. John Enenche (rtd), has raised the alarm over the activities of local collaborators who, he said, aid terrorists for financial gain.

Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Enenche noted that such collaborators frustrate security operations by supplying criminals with intelligence and sharing in the proceeds of kidnap-for-ransom.

He cited a past incident in Benue where a local security operative was arrested for working with terrorists, describing it as one of many cases showing how deeply the problem runs.

Aligning with the position of the new Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), Enenche firmly opposed negotiations with terrorists. According to him, ransom deals only embolden criminals.

“I have monitored situations where ransom is paid, and they return with more demands. These people are never sincere. In the end, they still kill their victims,” he said.

Enenche further recounted a case involving a senior officer who was abducted during his service years, noting that the kidnappers repeatedly increased their demands, including requests for a motorcycle and additional cash.

To defeat terrorism, he argued, Nigeria must build a resilient homeland security architecture driven by trained local scouts.

“These people are trackable. Real local scouts can follow them into the forests and neutralise their operations,” he said, revealing that a community which sought his guidance recently recorded zero attacks for six months after setting up a properly trained security team.

Enenche disclosed that his firm is developing a civil security programme intended to strengthen community-based defence systems. He expressed readiness to partner with state governments, organisations and the military high command.

Insisting that ransom payments must end, the retired general urged Nigerians to take “collective responsibility” for securing the country.

“Ransom payment is out of it,” he said, stressing that the nation must chart a new path anchored on strong indigenous security structures.