Senate Spokesperson: Federal Government Didn’t Pay Ransom for Release of Kidnap Victims

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu has refuted claims that the Federal Government paid ransom to secure the release of recently abducted schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Adaramodu addressed growing public suspicion surrounding the rescue operations, insisting no financial exchange occurred.

Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South, maintained that despite Bayo Onanuga — President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy — confirming that security operatives made contact with the bandits responsible for the Kwara abductions, no ransom was paid.

According to him, communication with kidnappers can take different forms, but security agencies are not required to disclose operational methods to the public.

“From our side at the National Assembly, we believe the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to anybody. If there is any contact with the bandits, there are various types — it can be forceful, persuasive or a mix of both,” he said.

His remarks come amid a resurgence in school kidnappings, which has intensified criticism of the government’s handling of rescue missions. Human rights groups and community leaders argue that the lack of transparency often fuels speculation, especially when victims are freed without arrests or evidence of confrontation.

Responding to concerns about the absence of images or reports of captured attackers, Adaramodu urged Nigerians not to assume that security forces failed to engage the kidnappers.

He explained that criminal gangs often flee when they sense heightened military pressure.

“If you have not seen the corpses of abductors or them being handcuffed, that does not negate the possibility of intense confrontation,” he said.
“When they sense superior firepower, they run and leave the victims behind.”

Adaramodu also confirmed that the Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate the Kebbi school abduction. Early briefings from state officials and security agencies indicate that soldiers assigned to protect the school had abandoned their posts shortly before the attack.

The recent death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who played a key role in anti-banditry operations, has increased scrutiny on military performance. Adaramodu said the committee would also probe the circumstances surrounding the senior officer’s death.

He emphasized that while the National Assembly will continue to demand accountability, security agencies are not expected to reveal tactical details.

“Their mandate is to rescue victims safely. How they execute that cannot be in the public domain,” he said.

Adaramodu reassured Nigerians that the Senate remains committed to supporting security agencies in restoring peace and security across the country.

Opinion Nigeria News