Senator Ndume Denies Role in Boko Haram Ransom Negotiations

Senator Ali Ndume has categorically denied serving as an intermediary in ransom negotiations following the abduction of residents in Ngoshe, Borno State. During a Tuesday appearance on ARISE NEWS, the lawmaker from Borno South stated that his sole involvement consisted of notifying security authorities upon learning about a kidnapping incident affecting roughly 416 individuals.

Ndume underscored his firm stance against ransoms to kidnappers in all situations. At the heart of the dispute lie assertions made by Samaila Kaigama, who leads the Borno South Youth Alliance.

Based on Ndume's version of events, Kaigama made repeated overtures to him, asserting that Boko Haram held abducted individuals and was demanding ₦5 billion in exchange for their freedom. Kaigama reportedly exerted pressure on Ndume to add funds toward the payment, pointing out that his constituents comprised part of those held captive.

Instead of complying with Kaigama's solicitations, Ndume indicated he declined involvement in any ransom arrangement. He subsequently sought to facilitate contact between Kaigama and appropriate security agencies, enabling official channels to manage the situation properly.

Through his recounting, Ndume frames himself as someone who received information about a ransom demand via an intermediary yet opted to refer the matter to law enforcement authorities rather than enable payment. Ndume's rebuttal responds directly to public statements by Kaigama accusing him of participation in ransom handling.

The senator portrayed his contribution as purely informational—notifying law enforcement about the kidnapping and the financial demand—not as someone engaged in active negotiation or facilitation. Throughout the broadcast interview, he reasserted his longstanding opposition to any ransoms channeled to terrorist groups.