KEY POINTS
- Ransom payment denial shapes Senate response.
- Lawmaker rejects all ransom-related claims.
- Senate orders full probe into school abductions.
Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu has pushed back at claims the Federal Government paid ransom to free abducted schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger. He said the government made no payout and insisted rescue teams followed lawful procedures.
He addressed the rising suspicion on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, as debate intensified over how recent rescues were secured.
Growing scrutiny over ransom payment denial
Adaramodu said officials may contact kidnappers, but such communication does not mean money changed hands. He stressed that security agencies are not required to disclose tactics used during any operation. He added that approaches can be forceful, persuasive, or blended, depending on field conditions.
His statement comes as Nigeria faces a new wave of school abductions. Rights groups say poor transparency helps fuel public doubt. Victims often return without evidence of confrontation, arrests, or seized weapons, prompting more questions about rescue methods.
Adaramodu warned against assuming that security forces made no contact with abductors simply because images of gunmen were not released. He said criminals often flee once they sense advancing troops.
He said the absence of proof does not mean there was no clash, adding that kidnappers abandon victims when confronted by superior firepower.
Senate expands inquiry amid ransom payment denial
Adaramodu also confirmed that the Senate has formed an ad-hoc committee to uncover how the Kebbi attack occurred. Early reports show soldiers posted to guard the school left their duty post shortly before the gunmen arrived.
He noted that the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who worked on anti-banditry missions, adds pressure on the military’s performance. Furthermore, he said lawmakers will examine incidents linked to the officer’s death.
He added that while oversight remains vital, security agencies will not disclose strategies used in live missions. Their priority, he said, is securing hostages alive.
Adaramodu assured citizens that the Senate will continue supporting safety efforts nationwide.
