Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu has pushed back against growing public suspicion that the Federal Government secretly paid ransom to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Adaramodu insisted that no money exchanged hands, despite earlier confirmation by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga that security operatives made contact with the kidnappers in Kwara.
According to the Ekiti South senator, “contact” with abductors can take different forms, but security agencies are not required to share sensitive operational details with the public.
“From our side at the National Assembly, we believe the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to anybody. Contact can be forceful, persuasive, or a mix of both,” he said.
His comments come at a time when Nigerians are increasingly questioning rescue operations — especially when victims return without any report of arrests, firefights, or visible resistance from kidnappers.
Addressing the concerns, Adaramodu explained that criminals often flee when security forces close in.
“If you have not seen corpses or handcuffed abductors, it doesn’t mean there was no confrontation,” he added. “When they sense superior firepower, they run and abandon the victims.”
He also revealed that the Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to probe the Kebbi school abduction. Early briefings showed that soldiers assigned to protect the school allegedly left their post shortly before the attack.
The investigation will also examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was deeply involved in anti-banditry operations.
Adaramodu stressed that while the National Assembly will demand accountability, security agencies cannot be expected to reveal tactical strategies publicly. Their primary mandate, he said, is rescuing victims safely.
He assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue to support all efforts aimed at restoring security across the country.