ADC Papiri Ransom questioned: opposition demands clarity on alleged ₦10bn payment and release of insurgents after school abduction

The African Democratic Congress has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide a clear explanation regarding reports alleging that over ₦10 billion was paid and detained insurgents released to secure the freedom of abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party welcomed the safe return of the victims but expressed concern about international media claims suggesting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made payments and freed two senior Boko Haram commanders to facilitate their release.

The opposition party warned that such actions, if confirmed, could undermine national security and contravene the country’s anti-kidnapping laws, which prohibit negotiations or ransom payments to kidnappers.

The statement also highlighted earlier denials by authorities regarding ransom payments and referenced the National Security Adviser’s position on the matter.

“Allegations of ransom payments at this scale raise serious concerns about terrorism financing, the rule of law, and the safety of citizens,” the ADC said, calling on the government to issue a categorical explanation about whether any payment was made, directly or indirectly, and whether any detainees or captured terror actors were released.

The party further criticised perceived inconsistencies in government policy on ransom payments, emphasising that national security principles should not be sacrificed for political expediency.

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Abdullahi warned that any lack of clarity could encourage future attacks and erode public trust in security institutions.

ADC’s intervention underscores growing concerns about transparency in handling abduction cases and the potential implications of controversial government decisions on counter-terrorism efforts.