Senate Denies Ransom Payment In School kidnapping Rescues

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

He made the clarification during a television interview, as public doubts grew over how recent rescues were carried out.

Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South, said the government did not make any financial settlement to the kidnappers. His comment followed a revelation by the President’s adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, that security agencies had made contact with bandits during a separate rescue in Kwara State. The senator explained that contact with abductors can take different forms, but security agencies are not required to share operational details with the public.

The renewed wave of school kidnappings has intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of rescue missions. Human rights groups and community leaders argue that secrecy around operations fuels speculation, especially when victims are released without evidence of confrontation or arrests.

Adaramodu urged the public not to assume that security forces failed to engage the kidnappers simply because no images of captured gunmen were released. He said kidnappers often flee once they detect advancing troops, leaving their victims behind.

The Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the Kebbi school abduction. Early reports from state officials and security agencies suggest that soldiers assigned to protect the school left their post shortly before the attack. The recent death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, involved in anti-banditry operations, has also raised questions about the military’s readiness.

Adaramodu said the committee will review both incidents while respecting the need for operational secrecy. He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly will continue pushing for accountability while supporting security agencies working to restore safety across the country.