Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has denied allegations that he acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and any individual or organisation, insisting that he has never negotiated with terrorists or participated in ransom discussions.
The senator issued the denial on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following allegations made by Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, who accused him of being involved in communication between kidnappers and individuals connected to the abduction of residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State.
Kaigama had alleged that Ndume played a role as a link between the abductors and parties involved in efforts surrounding the release of victims. The allegations also referenced claims that terrorists demanded a ransom running into billions of naira for the release of hundreds of abducted persons.
Reacting to the claims, Ndume said the allegations were false and misleading. He explained that his involvement in the matter was limited to reporting the situation to relevant security authorities after receiving information about the abduction and ransom demands.
The senator said he was contacted after a video allegedly showing a ransom demand by insurgents emerged. According to him, rather than engage with the kidnappers, he immediately drew the attention of security agencies, including relevant authorities responsible for handling counter-terrorism operations.
Ndume maintained that he never communicated with the terrorists on behalf of any person, government agency, or family member of victims. He said his actions were aimed at ensuring that security institutions were aware of the situation and could take appropriate steps.
The lawmaker also rejected any suggestion that he supported ransom payments to terrorist groups, stating that he has consistently opposed such actions because of the potential consequences for national security.
The controversy followed the reported abduction of residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, where concerns were raised over the safety of women and children taken by insurgents.
The incident renewed public debate over the challenges facing communities affected by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities, as well as the difficult decisions surrounding efforts to secure the release of kidnapped persons.
Ndume said he was prepared to cooperate with any investigation into the allegations and urged that facts should be established through proper channels rather than public accusations.
He insisted that his record showed consistent efforts toward addressing insecurity in Borno State and the wider North-East region, adding that he has always worked with security agencies to support efforts aimed at protecting citizens.
The allegations have generated reactions from different groups, with some calling for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the claims, while others have stressed the importance of allowing security agencies to handle sensitive matters involving terrorism and kidnapping.
As discussions continue, Ndume has maintained that he has never acted as a negotiator, facilitator, or intermediary between kidnappers and any individual, and that his involvement was strictly limited to alerting authorities about a security threat.
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