Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has explained why he reported Kaigama to security agencies after becoming suspicious of requests linked to the payment of ransom allegedly demanded by Boko Haram.
Ndume said Kaigama repeatedly contacted him, claiming that the terrorist group was demanding N5 billion to secure the release of abducted victims and sought to involve him in raising the money.
According to the senator, the request immediately raised concerns because of his long-standing opposition to ransom payments and negotiations with terrorist groups.
“Kaigama wanted to use me for the payment of ransom. I cannot speak for the government if the ransom was paid or not. I do not and will never support the payment of ransom or negotiations with Boko Haram,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker disclosed that his suspicion deepened when Kaigama asked him to personally contribute towards the alleged ransom.
“I began suspecting Kaigama when he demanded that I contribute towards the payment of ransom,” he stated.
Ndume further alleged that Kaigama attempted to pressure him by claiming that people from his constituency were among those being held captive and accusing him of refusing to support efforts to secure their release.
“He threatened that my people are in captivity, and I don’t want to donate towards their release. I did my best to connect him with security agencies and the right authorities,” the senator said.
Ndume maintained that he has consistently opposed the payment of ransom to terrorist groups, insisting that such actions only embolden criminal organisations and undermine ongoing efforts to defeat insurgency in the North-East.
He reiterated that his decision to alert security agencies was driven by his suspicions over the ransom request and his commitment to supporting lawful measures in addressing insecurity.
