I never acted as intermediary between kidnappers and anyone – Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has vehemently denied allegations of acting as an intermediary in ransom negotiations with kidnappers. The senator clarified his role in response to claims made by Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, who accused Ndume of involvement in handling a ransom linked to the release of abducted residents from Ngoshe, Borno State.

“

I have never, directly or indirectly, acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and any government or private individuals. Not at all.

Ndume explained that his sole involvement was to alert security agencies after Kaigama contacted him. Kaigama had informed the senator about a video purportedly released by Boko Haram/ISWAP demanding a N5 billion ransom following the abduction of hundreds of residents. "I have never, directly or indirectly, acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and any government or private individuals. Not at all," Ndume asserted.

“

On Eid-el-Kabir, Boko Haram invaded Ngoshe village in my local government and abducted 416 citizens… He contacted me to say that Boko Haram/ISWAP have issued an ultimatum of 72 hours to pay a ransom of N5 billion.

According to the senator, Kaigama reached out after insurgents allegedly abducted 416 residents of Ngoshe and issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the ransom payment. Ndume stated he immediately contacted the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and other relevant security agencies, sharing Kaigama's contact information. He emphasized that he deliberately distanced himself from any ransom payment discussions, preferring to connect Kaigama with the appropriate authorities.

“

When I saw the video, I asked him, ‘Have you contacted the security agencies?’ I immediately reached out to the NSA, DSS and other relevant security agencies, including the military, and shared his contact with them.

Reiterating his long-standing stance, Ndume declared his consistent opposition to negotiating with terrorists or paying ransoms. "My position on ransom payment ab initio, or even negotiating with Boko Haram, is clear: I don’t support it, I’m not supporting it, and I will never support negotiating with Boko Haram, talk less of paying them ransom," he said. Ndume also urged security agencies to investigate the allegations, framing the matter as a serious national security issue rather than a personal dispute. He mentioned cutting off communication with Kaigama when the latter began soliciting financial contributions from the abductees' families.

“

He wanted to use me or to come through me for the payment of ransom. I told him I don’t want to be involved… The best I could do was to connect him with the appropriate authorities.