- Senate Spokeperson: Security Agencies Contacted Bandits but Offered No Ransom
- …Says public speculation was understandable
- Noted that kidnappers often abandon victims when they realise security forces are closing in
The spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has dismissed claims that the Federal Government paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Kebbi and Niger states, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Adaramodu said public speculation was understandable but insisted there was no financial settlement with the kidnappers.
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He explained that while security operatives may establish contact with abductors during rescue efforts, such communication does not equate to ransom payments.
“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 comments followed confirmation by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, that security agents made contact with kidnappers in a separate case in Kwara State.
Adaramodu stressed that security agencies are not obliged to reveal operational details, noting that such information is sensitive and cannot be made public.
He also reacted to claims that no images or reports showed captured gunmen after the rescue operations. According to him, a lack of visuals does not mean there was no confrontation.
“If you have not seen the corpses of abductors or them being handcuffed, that does not negate the possibility of intense confrontation,” he said.
The Senate spokesman explained that kidnappers often abandon victims when they realise security forces are closing in. “When they sense superior firepower, they run and leave the victims behind,” he added.
Adaramodu revealed that the Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the Kebbi school abduction. Preliminary findings from state authorities and security agencies indicate that soldiers assigned to protect the school reportedly left their post shortly before the attack.
The committee will also probe the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a senior officer involved in anti-banditry operations. His death has raised further questions about operational lapses and the military’s response to escalating insecurity.
Despite rising concern nationwide, Adaramodu said lawmakers will continue pushing for accountability without expecting security agencies to disclose tactical strategies.
“Their mandate is to rescue victims safely. How they execute that cannot be in the public domain,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the Senate remains committed to improving national security and supporting the agencies involved in combating banditry and kidnapping.
