The Federal Government did not pay any ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Kebbi and Niger states, the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has said.
Adaramodu made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, amid growing public speculation over the recent rescue operations.
Adaramodu, who is representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, emphasised that while security operatives may contact kidnappers during rescue missions, this does not necessarily involve a financial settlement.
He noted that operational details are usually withheld from the public for security reasons.
“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.
The senator’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing renewed school kidnappings, raising questions about the government’s strategies to tackle the crisis.
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Human rights groups and community leaders have argued that the lack of transparency in rescue missions fuels speculation, especially when victims are released without evidence of confrontation or arrests.
Addressing concerns over the absence of images or reports of captured gunmen, Adaramodu cautioned against assuming that security forces did not engage the abductors.
He explained that kidnappers often abandon their victims once they realize security forces are closing in.
“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. Preliminary reports suggest that soldiers assigned to guard the school had left their posts shortly before the attack.
The senator added that the committee will also review the circumstances surrounding the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was involved in anti-banditry operations.
He stressed that while the National Assembly seeks accountability, security agencies are not expected to disclose tactical information, as their priority is to ensure victims are rescued safely.
Adaramodu assured Nigerians that the Senate will continue to support security agencies in efforts to restore safety across the country.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
