The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the Federal Government of Nigeria over reports alleging that ransom was paid to secure the release of kidnapped victims in parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the opposition party described the reports, carried by local and international media platforms, as “deeply troubling,” warning that such actions amount to “a shameful encouragement for criminality.”
The PDP linked the allegations to the recent visit of Jonathan Burke, United States Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, who reportedly engaged Nigerian security and finance officials on measures to disrupt illicit financial flows connected to extremist groups.
According to the party, the reports further validate findings by the National Bureau of Statistics in its 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, which described ransom payments as a “staggering trillion-naira economy.” The survey claimed that about N2.3 trillion was paid in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024, while over 2.2 million Nigerians were kidnapped within the same period under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The PDP argued that delayed release of security funds and what it termed an ad hoc approach to national security have contributed to the persistence of terrorism and banditry. It noted that these weaknesses have allowed criminal groups to acquire sophisticated weapons, making it harder for security agencies to contain them.
“It is standard practice globally that governments do not pay ransom, because such payments are counterproductive,” the party said, stressing that ransom only fuels criminal operations and strengthens violent networks.
The opposition party also accused the government of double standards, recalling that Nigeria enacted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which criminalises ransom payments, yet is now facing allegations of paying “millions of dollars” from public funds to kidnappers.
Highlighting Nigeria’s poor rankings in global security and governance reports, the PDP said the country has earned “infamous positions” on major international indices, reflecting the deteriorating state of law and order.
As part of its recommendations, the party called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all forms of ransom payment and fully enforce the provisions of the Terrorism Act. It also urged authorities to intensify efforts to track illicit financial flows and empower the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell established in December 2024 to effectively curb kidnapping.
The PDP further demanded that the government clarify allegations that a “huge ransom, running into millions of dollars,” had been paid to secure the release of victims, particularly those linked to St. Mary’s School in Niger State.
The statement concluded with a call for urgent, long-term reforms, urging the administration to abandon what it described as “performative” actions and adopt strategic measures capable of restoring security and public confidence nationwide.