The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately clarify reports claiming that more than N10 billion was allegedly paid as ransom and that two senior Boko Haram commanders were freed to secure the release of pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said it had taken note of reports published by some international media outlets suggesting that negotiations may have included both financial payments and the release of detained terror suspects.
Although the party welcomed the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teachers, it said the allegations, if proven true, would contradict the government’s repeated public stance against ransom payments.
According to the ADC, government officials and security agencies had earlier denied paying any ransom after the victims were freed.
The party also pointed out that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had previously described ransom payments as a major driver of insecurity in Nigeria.
“The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, reportedly described ransom payments as one of the worst things promoting insecurity in the country,” the statement stated.
The statement further referenced the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalises negotiations and ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorist groups.
“Claims of ransom payments running into billions of naira, alongside the possible release of senior terror suspects, raise fundamental questions about terrorism financing, adherence to the law, and the overall safety of Nigerians,” the party stated.
The ADC cautioned that entering into such arrangements could weaken the country’s counter-terrorism framework and encourage further abductions.
“It is inconsistent for a government to publicly condemn ransom payments while allegedly engaging in actions that could strengthen terror networks and motivate future kidnappings,” the statement added.
The party therefore called on the Federal Government to address the matter directly and transparently.
“We urge the authorities to clearly inform Nigerians whether any funds were paid, directly or indirectly, in connection with the Papiri abduction, and whether any detained individuals were released or swapped as part of the process that led to the victims’ freedom,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC also warned against what it described as a contradictory approach to national security, arguing that short-term political gains should not override established security principles.
ADC demands clarification over alleged N10bn ransom, release of Boko Haram commanders
