The spokesperson for the Nigerian Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, has dismissed widespread claims that the Federal Government paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in recent attacks in Kebbi and Niger states.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Adaramodu insisted that no ransom was paid, despite rising public suspicion over the opaque nature of recent rescue operations. His comment comes days after Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed that security agents had made contact with bandits during efforts to free kidnapped victims in Kwara State.
Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South, argued that communication with abductors can take different forms but stressed that security agencies are not required to disclose operational details.
“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.
Nigeria has witnessed a resurgence of school kidnappings in recent weeks, prompting heightened scrutiny of the government’s response. Human rights advocates and community groups say the secrecy surrounding rescue missions continues to fuel public speculation, particularly in cases where victims are recovered without reports of arrests or firefights.
Responding to concerns that no images or evidence of captured gunmen accompanied the latest rescue, Adaramodu cautioned against assuming security forces did not engage the abductors. He noted that kidnappers often flee when they sense overwhelming 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.”
The senator also confirmed that the Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Kebbi school abduction. Early briefings from local authorities and security agencies suggest that soldiers assigned to protect the school left their posts shortly before the attackers struck.
The recent death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a key figure in anti-banditry operations, has intensified scrutiny of the military’s performance. Adaramodu said the committee will also probe the events leading to his death.
He emphasized that while the National Assembly will continue to demand accountability, security agencies are not expected to reveal tactical information.
“Their mandate is to rescue victims safely. How they execute that cannot be in the public domain,” he said.
Adaramodu assured Nigerians that the Senate remains committed to supporting security agencies in restoring peace and security nationwide.
Comments