Key Takeaways: Senator Ali Ndume on Ransom Allegations & Security Intermediaries
Speaking on Arise News, Senator Ali Ndume (representing Borno South) addressed allegations made by Somaya Ibrahim Kaigama (President of the Borno South Youth Alliance) regarding the rescue of over 400 women and children abducted from Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA.
1. Denial of Intermediary Role & Ransom Involvement
- Senator Ndume unequivocally denied acting as an in-house mediator or facilitating ransom payments between the government, private individuals, and Boko Haram.
- Stated his longstanding personal and political principle: no negotiation with terrorists and zero support for ransom payments.
2. Rebuttal of Kaigama’s Ransom Claims
- Ndume explained that Kaigama initially contacted him claiming Boko Haram issued a 72-hour ultimatum and demanded a ₦5 billion ransom.
- Rather than mediating, Ndume stated he referred Kaigama’s details directly to security agencies, including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
- Ndume rejected claims that ₦5 billion was disbursed or that he had any involvement in a money trail, stating he has never handled or seen ₦1 billion in cash at once in his life.
3. Calls for Official Investigation & Legal Accountability
- Ndume publicly urged the DSS and other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate Kaigama’s claims, financial activities, and background.
- Noted that Kaigama was putting pressure on him for financial contributions toward ransoms and alleged that Kaigama has been involved in soliciting funds from vulnerable victims' families under the guise of mediation.
4. Ongoing Security Concerns in Borno South
- Ndume highlighted that despite the return of 360 hostages from Ngoshe, dozens of other constituents—including pupils from Mussa, students from Lassa, and travelers from Borate—remain in captivity.
- Reiterated his call for the military and security forces to maintain relentless tactical pressure to secure all remaining hostages rather than dealing through unverified middlemen.
Critical Takeaway: Official Stance on Terrorist Engagement
Addressing the conflicting narratives surrounding hostage rescues, Senator Ndume reaffirmed his opposition to financial payouts or concessions:
"My position on ransom payment ab initio or even negotiating with Boko Haram is clear: I do not support, have never supported, and will never support negotiating with Boko Haram—talk less of paying them ransom." — Senator Ali Ndume
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