Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has firmly denied allegations that he served as an intermediary between Boko Haram/ISWAP kidnappers and either the Federal Government or private individuals during negotiations over the release of abducted residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker described the claims as false and defamatory, insisting that his only involvement was notifying security agencies after receiving information about an alleged ransom demand from community leader and President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Ndume said he has never participated in ransom negotiations and has consistently opposed the payment of ransom to terrorist groups.
“I have never, directly or indirectly, acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and any government or private individuals. Not at all,” the senator said.
The controversy follows allegations by Kaigama that Ndume was involved in the handling of an alleged ₦5 billion ransom reportedly linked to the release of hundreds of abducted women and children from Ngoshe.
Rejecting the accusations, Ndume explained that Kaigama contacted him after insurgents allegedly released a video demanding ₦5 billion within 72 hours following the abduction of about 416 residents.
According to the senator, his immediate response was to encourage Kaigama to notify security agencies before personally reaching out to relevant authorities.
“When I saw the video, I asked him whether he had contacted the security agencies. I immediately reached out to the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the military and other relevant agencies and shared his contact with them,” he said.
Ndume stressed that he deliberately refused to become involved in any discussion relating to ransom payment, maintaining that such negotiations only embolden terrorist organisations.
He said Kaigama attempted to persuade him to facilitate or participate in the payment process, but he rejected the request outright.
“My position has always been clear. I do not support negotiating with Boko Haram or paying ransom. I have never done so and I never will,” he added.
The senator disclosed that he eventually became suspicious after Kaigama allegedly began soliciting financial contributions from families and other individuals for the purported ransom payment.
Ndume alleged that money was requested through a designated bank account without producing the promised results, prompting him to sever communication with Kaigama.
He also maintained that he has preserved records of their conversations and has already forwarded relevant information to security agencies for investigation.
Calling for a comprehensive probe, Ndume argued that the matter goes beyond personal reputation and should be treated as a national security issue.
He urged security agencies to invite all parties involved, examine available evidence and establish the true sequence of events.
The senator also dismissed claims that Boko Haram and ISWAP were observing any ceasefire, pointing to continued insurgent attacks across Borno State.
He cited a recent attempted abduction of students of the Monguno Polytechnic as evidence that terrorist operations remain active despite suggestions to the contrary.
Ndume reiterated that throughout his years in public office, his focus has been on pressing the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen military operations, rescue abducted victims and improve security across communities in Borno South rather than engaging with terrorist groups.
The allegations and Ndume’s response come as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent insurgency in the North-East, where security experts and government officials have repeatedly warned against paying ransom because it could finance further terrorist activities.
