Senate insist no ransom paid in rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren.

By Our Reporter

Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has reaffirmed that the Federal Government did not disburse any ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Kebbi and Niger states.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Adaramodu addressed rising public suspicion surrounding the rescue operations. He insisted that despite various narratives circulating on the matter, the government maintained a firm no-ransom stance.

“From the perspective of the National Assembly, we are convinced no ransom was paid. Engagement with kidnappers can take different forms—forceful, persuasive, or a strategic blend of both,” he stated.

His clarification follows comments by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, who earlier acknowledged that security personnel made contact with kidnappers to free abducted victims in Kwara State. Adaramodu stressed that communication alone does not equate to financial negotiation.

He further explained that security operatives are not expected to disclose sensitive operational details to the public. The absence of images showing captured gunmen, he added, should not be interpreted as a lack of confrontation.

“You may not see bodies or arrested suspects, but that does not rule out the possibility of fierce engagements,” he said, noting that kidnappers often abandon their victims when overpowered by security forces.

Adaramodu also revealed that the Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to probe the Kebbi school abduction. Preliminary findings indicate that soldiers assigned to guard the school reportedly vacated their post shortly before the attack.

The investigation will also cover the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a key figure in anti-banditry operations, whose passing has intensified public scrutiny of the military’s handling of insecurity.

While emphasizing the need for accountability, Adaramodu maintained that lawmakers do not expect security agencies to divulge tactical information. “Their priority is to rescue victims safely, and the methods employed cannot be made public,” he said.

He reassured Nigerians of the Senate’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s security architecture and supporting agencies working to combat rising insecurity.