Opposition Party Demands Clarity on Alleged Ransom for School Abduction Release
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded a full explanation from Nigeria’s federal government regarding claims that over N10 billion was paid and detained Boko Haram commanders were freed to secure the release of abducted students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Borno State.
In a statement, the opposition party expressed serious concern over international media reports alleging the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the payment and released two senior Boko Haram figures to end the abduction crisis. While welcoming the safe return of the victims, the ADC warned that such a deal, if true, could jeopardize national security and counter-terrorism efforts.
The statement, signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, highlighted a clear contradiction. Authorities had initially denied any ransom payment following the victims’ release. The party noted this clashes with the longstanding public position of the National Security Adviser, who opposes ransom payments, and with Nigerian law prohibiting negotiations with kidnappers.
“Allegations of ransom payments at this scale raise serious concerns about terrorism financing, the rule of law, and the safety of citizens,” the ADC statement read.
The party formally called on the government to provide a “categorical explanation” on whether any ransom was paid, directly or indirectly, and whether any detained terrorists were exchanged. It cautioned that any confirmed payment would undermine state policy and potentially incentivize future kidnappings and terrorist activities.
The ADC further criticized what it described as inconsistent government policy on ransom payments. “No serious government will sacrifice national security principles on the altar of political expediency,” the statement asserted, emphasizing that transparency is essential to maintain public trust and strengthen the fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
This demand puts pressure on the Tinubu administration to address the conflicting narratives surrounding the high-profile rescue operation. A clear accounting is now seen as critical for upholding Nigeria’s legal stance against funding terrorism and for reassuring a public frequently targeted by armed groups.
Background Context: Nigeria has faced persistent attacks and mass abductions, primarily in the northwest and northeast, by armed groups often labeled as bandits or terrorist factions like Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP. The government has officially maintained a policy of not paying ransoms, a stance supported by security analysts who argue it fuels the criminal economy. Previous high-profile rescues, such as the 2020 Kankara schoolboys’ release, were also clouded by unconfirmed reports of large ransom payments and prisoner swaps.
