Ndume Denies Mediating Between Terrorists and Government

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has vehemently denied allegations of acting as a middleman between terrorists and the government or private individuals. In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS, Ndume clarified his role in the abduction of hundreds of residents of Ngoshe, Borno State, emphasizing that his only involvement was to notify security agencies after being contacted by Samaila Kaigama, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance. Kaigama had accused Ndume of involvement in ransom negotiations, but the senator maintained that he deliberately distanced himself from any discussion on ransom payments and instead connected Kaigama with the relevant security agencies. 'I have never, directly or indirectly, acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and any government or private individuals. Not at all,' Ndume stated. He explained that Kaigama had reached out to him after insurgents allegedly abducted 416 residents of Ngoshe and later released a video demanding a N5 billion ransom. Ndume said he immediately contacted the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and other relevant security agencies, including the military, and shared Kaigama's contact information with them. The senator reiterated his consistent opposition to negotiating with terrorists or paying ransom, stating, 'My position on ransom payment ab initio, or even negotiating with Boko Haram, is clear: I don’t support it, I’m not supporting it, and I will never support negotiating with Boko Haram, talk less of paying them ransom.' Ndume also called on security agencies to investigate the allegations, describing the matter as a serious national security issue rather than a personal dispute. He alleged that Kaigama later sought financial contributions from families of abductees, prompting him to end all communication with him. The lawmaker further dismissed claims that Boko Haram and ISWAP had observed a ceasefire, citing a recent attempt by Boko Haram to kidnap students of the Polytechnic in Monguno. Ndume urged security agencies to invite all parties involved and establish the facts, stating, 'Most importantly, I’m waiting for the security agencies to invite both of us and investigate this matter… because this borders not only on defamation, but on national security. It’s a very serious matter.' He maintained that his only concern has been to press the government to intensify efforts to rescue victims and improve security in the region.