The Nigerian Senate has firmly denied reports claiming that ransom was paid to secure the release of kidnapped individuals rescued in recent security operations across the country. Senate Spokesperson Sen. Yemi Adaramodu made the clarification while addressing journalists at the National Assembly, insisting that the federal government remains committed to a no-ransom policy in line with national and international security standards.
The statement comes amid growing public speculation that financial payments may have facilitated the freedom of some victims, especially following recent abductions by armed bandits in Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Senate: “No Kobo Was Paid, Security Agencies Worked Tirelessly”
Sen. Adaramodu stressed that the rescue operations were carried out solely by Nigeria’s security forces including the Nigerian Army, DSS, and police tactical units who coordinated intelligence-driven missions to free the abductees unharmed.
“No kobo was paid as ransom for the release of the victims. The agencies of government executed their duties professionally and diligently, without any money exchanging hands,” he said.
He added that paying ransom only empowers criminal networks, strengthens terrorist financing, and prolongs insecurity.
Nigeria has witnessed a troubling rise in mass abductions over the past two months:
- Kaduna: Dozens of schoolchildren and villagers abducted in Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAs.
- Zamfara: Bandits intercepted vehicles along Zurmi–Shinkafi road.
- Niger State: Over 30 commuters kidnapped near Tegina highway.
- FCT–Abuja: Multiple residents taken from Bwari and Kuje communities.
Although several victims have been rescued through coordinated efforts, public fear remains high, fueling rumours of alleged ransom negotiations.
Across social media platforms, many Nigerians have questioned how rescues were achieved without financial settlements, given the sophistication of the gangs.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote: “If no ransom was paid, then the government should show Nigerians that these security operations are truly yielding results.”
Another commented: “We are glad victims are home safe, but we need more accountability on security tactics.”
However, others praised the government’s stance, saying paying ransom sets a dangerous precedent.
Security analysts have long warned that ransom payments fuel the country’s kidnapping economy, estimated to be worth billions of naira annually.
A counter-terrorism researcher, explained:
“Even when families try to negotiate privately, government institutions must maintain a no-ransom position; otherwise kidnapping will escalate beyond control.”
He added that the Senate’s reassurance is critical but must be backed by more proactive intelligence gathering and community policing.
Families whose relatives were recently rescued expressed gratitude to security operatives but urged the government to prevent future incidents.
Another resident from Niger State lamented the emotional toll, saying the government must “end the cycle instead of responding after each attack.”
Sen. Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate is working on stronger legislative frameworks to combat kidnapping, including:
- Expanding penalties for kidnapping and banditry
- Increasing funding for special forces
- Enhancing state&federal intelligence sharing
- Protecting schools and highways with advanced surveillance
He noted that the National Assembly is determined to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security reforms aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country.
With insecurity still threatening millions across Nigeria, the Senate’s insistence that no ransom was paid seeks to reassure citizens and reinforce national policy. Whether this approach will meaningfully deter future kidnappings depends on ongoing reforms, stronger policing, and deeper collaboration with affected communities.
