The spokesperson for the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, has debunked claims that the Federal Government paid ransom to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Adaramodu said growing public suspicion was understandable but insisted that no money was exchanged to free the victims. His explanation comes despite earlier remarks by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, who confirmed that security operatives made contact with the abductors of Kwara kidnap victims.
Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, clarified that communication with kidnappers can take different forms but does not necessarily involve ransom payments. He added that security agencies are not required to reveal operational tactics to the public.
“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 remarks come amid renewed school kidnappings across the country, increasing scrutiny of the government’s counter-kidnapping approach. Human rights groups and communities have raised concerns over the lack of transparency, especially in cases where victims are rescued without reports of confrontation or arrests.
Addressing the absence of images or updates on apprehended suspects after the latest rescues, Adaramodu cautioned against drawing conclusions. He explained that armed groups often abandon their captives when they realise security forces are closing in.
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“The fact that you have not seen the corpses of abductors or them being handcuffed does not negate the possibility of intense confrontation,” he noted, adding that criminals typically flee when overpowered.
The Senate, he said, has also set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the Kebbi school abduction. Early briefings suggest that soldiers deployed to secure the school may have left their post shortly before the attackers struck.
The death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a senior officer involved in anti-banditry operations, has further intensified scrutiny of military preparedness. Adaramodu said the committee will look into the events leading to his death as part of its mandate.
While emphasising accountability, the lawmaker stressed that security agencies cannot be expected to disclose tactical information publicly.
“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 and ensuring improved nationwide security.