Federal Government Did Not Pay Ransom for Kidnap Victims - Senate
The Nigerian Senate has firmly denied allegations that ransom payments were made to secure the release of recent kidnapping victims in Kebbi and Niger states. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu stated unequivocally that the Federal Government did not pay any money to kidnappers during rescue operations.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television's The Morning Brief programme on Friday, November 28, Adaramodu addressed growing public concerns about the absence of visible confrontations between security forces and abductors during rescue missions. "From our side at the National Assembly, we believe the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to anybody," he declared during the live broadcast.
Security Tactics Remain Confidential
The Senate spokesperson explained that when security officials interact with kidnappers, "there are several types, negative or positive. It can be through force or persuasion." He cautioned Nigerians against drawing conclusions simply because no bodies of kidnappers or arrests were publicly displayed following rescue operations.
Adaramodu emphasized that security agencies are not required to reveal their operational tactics to the public. "The ways and manners of the military, how they rescue victims, cannot and will not be made public," he stated. "As a security agency, they will not tell us how many bullets they shot or how many guns they lost."
He defended this position by stressing that the primary responsibility of government and security forces is ensuring victims are rescued safely. "The job we gave them is to rescue the victims—our girls, our parents, our worshippers," Adaramodu said. "What we know is that they went, they brought back those who were ferried into the forest, and that is what matters."
Senate Investigates Security Lapses
Addressing the troubling frequency of school abductions in northern Nigeria, Adaramodu revealed that the Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate the recent incidents in Kebbi and Niger states. The investigation will examine concerning reports about security preparedness.
According to briefings from state authorities, soldiers deployed to secure the girls' secondary school in Kebbi reportedly abandoned their post shortly before attackers arrived. "We were made to understand, especially from the government of the state, that the soldiers guarding that place left, and minutes later those people struck and kidnapped our children," Adaramodu disclosed.
The death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who had been actively involved in operations targeting bandit activities, has further deepened concerns about the safety and preparedness of frontline security personnel. The Senate committee will also investigate the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
Adaramodu assured Nigerians that the National Assembly will continue to demand accountability from security agencies while supporting all efforts to tackle the worsening insecurity affecting various parts of the country. The Senate remains committed to overseeing security operations while respecting the confidential nature of tactical decisions made by military commanders.
