The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has firmly denied allegations that he acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and the government or private individuals, insisting that he has never negotiated or facilitated ransom payments for victims of abduction.
Ndume made the clarification during an interview on ARISE NEWS while reacting to allegations by the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, who accused him of involvement in the handling of an alleged ransom connected to the release of abducted residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The lawmaker described the allegations as false and misleading, maintaining that his only role was to alert security agencies after receiving information about the mass abduction.
Explains his involvement
According to Ndume, Kaigama contacted him after insurgents reportedly invaded Ngoshe during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, abducting about 416 residents and issuing a 72-hour ultimatum demanding a ₦5 billion ransom.
He said Kaigama forwarded a video allegedly released by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), prompting him to immediately notify the relevant security agencies.
The senator explained that he contacted the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military and other security authorities, while also providing them with Kaigama’s contact details to aid their response.
Ndume stressed that beyond informing the authorities, he deliberately refused to participate in any discussions relating to ransom payment.
Rejects ransom negotiations
The senator reiterated that he has consistently opposed negotiating with terrorists or paying ransom to secure the release of abducted persons.
He said he made it clear from the outset that he would not serve as a channel for any communication or financial transaction involving the kidnappers.
According to him, his position has always been that security agencies should handle such matters in accordance with established procedures rather than encouraging ransom payments that could strengthen terrorist groups.
Ndume insisted that his commitment remains focused on supporting lawful efforts to rescue victims and improve security in affected communities.
Calls for investigation
The lawmaker urged security agencies to investigate the allegations thoroughly, describing the issue as one that affects national security and should not be treated as a personal dispute.
He said all parties connected to the claims should be invited to provide evidence so the truth can be established.
Ndume expressed confidence that an impartial investigation would expose the facts and clear his name of any wrongdoing.
He added that the security agencies had assured him that the matter would receive the necessary attention.
Alleges extortion by youth leader
Ndume further alleged that Kaigama later began requesting financial contributions from families of the abducted residents.
According to him, he ended all communication with the youth leader after learning that money was allegedly being collected from desperate relatives without producing any positive outcome.
The senator claimed he possesses information relating to the account into which the funds were reportedly paid.
He also dismissed claims that Boko Haram and ISWAP had observed a ceasefire, pointing to recent attacks in Borno State, including an attempted abduction of students in Monguno, as evidence that insurgent activities remain active.
Ndume reaffirmed that he would continue to pressure the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims of terrorism and restore lasting peace across the North-East, insisting that he has never supported ransom payments or negotiations with terrorist groups.