The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded clarification from the Federal Government over reports alleging ransom payments and prisoner releases in connection with the Papiri school abduction.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party referenced international media claims that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid over ₦10 billion and released two senior commanders of Boko Haram to secure the freedom of abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
The ADC said that while it welcomed the safe return of the victims, the alleged actions—if confirmed—would contradict the Federal Government’s public stance against ransom payments. The party recalled that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had previously described ransom payments as a major driver of insecurity.
The statement further cited the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalises negotiations and ransom payments to terrorist groups. According to the ADC, any confirmed payment or release of high-profile detainees could undermine counter-terrorism efforts, incentivise future kidnappings, and raise concerns about terrorism financing and adherence to the rule of law.
The party therefore called on the Federal Government to provide a categorical explanation on:
Whether any ransom—directly or indirectly—was paid in relation to the Papiri abduction.
Whether any detainees or captured terror suspects were released or exchanged as part of negotiations.
The ADC warned that inconsistency between official policy and alleged actions could erode public trust and potentially embolden criminal networks, stressing that national security principles should not be compromised for short-term political gains.
