Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, has claimed that about N5 billion was paid as ransom to secure the release of kidnapped victims in Ngoshe, Borno State.
Kaigama made the disclosure while speaking on the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation, saying the payment was made after negotiations reached a critical stage.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, 21 July, 2026, Kaigama provided more details about the negotiations that led to the victims’ freedom. According to him, there have been different accounts of how the captives were rescued, but he insisted that a substantial ransom was eventually paid to the abductors.
Speaking on the issue, Kaigama said, “Let me quote and make it clear about Ngoshe, ransom was paid in billions. Around N5 billion was released.” He maintained that the payment played a significant role in securing the release of those held captive by the bandits.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained one of Nigeria’s most pressing security concerns, with armed groups targeting communities, travellers and residents in several parts of the country.
Although the Federal Government has consistently discouraged the payment of ransom, arguing that it fuels further criminal activities, families and local communities have often found themselves under immense pressure to do whatever is necessary to secure the safe return of their loved ones…See_More
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