Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has criticised informants who demand huge sums of money before providing security agencies with information on suspected criminal activities.

Speaking on Joy FM on Monday, October 12, 2026, he disclosed that an informant recently demanded $20 million from the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in exchange for information about a suspected major drug operation.

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Muntaka, who appeared shocked by the demand, questioned how much the commission’s entire budget was for an informant to demand such a huge sum.

“Someone came to the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission, I think last week or the last two weeks, and told him, ‘Chief, there's a huge one that I can lead you to, but you have to give me $20 million’,” he said.

“What is the budget of the whole Narcotics Control Commission that an informant could be making this kind of demand?” he further asked.

The minister said some informants approach him at the Ministry with information about suspected criminal activities but insist on receiving money before sharing the details.

He explained that while the government sometimes pays informants who provide useful information, the amount demanded must be reasonable.

Muntaka said some informants initially request $5,000 but are given $2,000 to help with the operation, with the balance promised after the information is confirmed.

He added that, since he assumed office at the Ministry, about 99 per cent of the information provided by informants had been accurate, making it necessary for the authorities to honour their promises to those who assist them.

“Since I came to the Ministry, 99% [of the time] they give out the right information. They give it to you, you go, and you find it, and you have to compensate the person for what you promised him,” he said.

However, the minister appealed to the public to provide information to the security agencies without making excessive financial demands.

He said the government did not have unlimited resources and that, in some cases, officials had to use their personal funds to support informants.

“We are pleading with our citizens that we need to keep all of us safe. We don't have unlimited resources. Sometimes we do this from our own pocket. Please help us without necessarily making untoward demands,” he stated.

Muntaka added that the authorities were willing to support informants with transport costs and provide security where necessary to protect them from possible threats linked to the information they provide.

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He stressed that such support should not become an opportunity for informants to demand unreasonable amounts before helping the security agencies.

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