RismadarVoice Reporters, February 24, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Federal Government over alleged ransom payments to kidnappers, describing the development as “shameful” and an encouragement of criminality.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr, the opposition party said recent reports by credible local and international media platforms confirmed widely speculated claims that ransom was paid to secure the release of kidnapped victims in parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states.
The PDP expressed concern that the revelations followed engagements between the United States Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Jonathan Burke, and top Nigerian security and finance officials aimed at disrupting illicit financial flows linked to extremist groups.
According to the party, the alleged ransom payments validate findings by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024, which reported that N2.3 trillion was paid as ransom between May 2023 and April 2024, with 2,235,954 persons reportedly kidnapped within the same period.
The PDP argued that it is a globally accepted standard that governments do not pay ransom because such actions fuel criminal activities, embolden kidnappers. It described as hypocritical any situation where a government accused of paying ransom had previously enacted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which criminalises ransom payments.
The party further cited Nigeria’s recent rankings in global crime and security indices, including its position as the 11th most dangerous country to visit (Numbeo Index 2025) and 147th least peaceful country out of 163 countries (Global Peace Index 2025), as evidence of worsening insecurity.
Calling for immediate action, the PDP urged the Federal Government to halt ransom payments by fully implementing the Terrorism Act and to intensify efforts in tracking illicit financial flows to criminal groups.
It also tasked the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell, established in December 2024, to deliver on its mandate of curbing kidnapping.
The party demanded that the Federal Government clarify allegations that “huge ransom, running into millions of dollars,” had been paid to secure the release of victims, particularly those of St. Mary’s School in Niger State.
The PDP maintained that Nigerians deserve a government capable of matching legislative measures with decisive operational action to address insecurity.
