Ndume Vows No Ransom as Boko Haram’s 72-Hour Deadline Expires Over 416 Captives

Senator Ali Ndume has drawn a hard line: no ransom will be paid to Boko Haram, even as the group’s 72-hour ultimatum over 416 abducted civilians expires with no payment made.

The deadline, issued on April 20, demanded ₦5 billion or the insurgents would “share” the captives — mostly women and children — across different locations. As of Wednesday evening, the government had not moved to meet the demand, and Ndume says that is the right call.

“I stand with the government on this: we will not pay ransom,” Ndume said in an interview. His reasoning is blunt — paying would only invite more attacks.

The abduction that sparked the crisis

The victims were taken in early March from Muoshi village in Borno State, during an assault that also left soldiers and civilians dead. Initial reports put the number abducted at over 500, but that figure was later revised to 416.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, says these are people he knows. “It was unbelievable, shocking, but it is true. These are my people, from my local government, and it’s devastating for the community,” he said.

The village sits about 12 kilometres from the Maiduguri-Mubi road — a major route — raising uncomfortable questions about why security forces did not prevent the attack or respond quickly enough.

Both Christians and Muslims among captives

Ndume also pushed back against claims circulating online that the abductions were religiously motivated. The captives include both Christians and Muslims, he said, with Muslims making up a significant portion.

“The captives are innocent civilians, both Christians and Muslims,” he said. “The abductions show there is no such thing as ‘Christian genocide’ in my area. Boko Haram abducted everyone.”

Behind-the-scenes efforts continue

While ruling out ransom payments, Ndume said efforts to secure the victims’ release are ongoing through intermediaries. He cautioned against public discussions that could compromise security operations.

“We have communicated through the person going in between to say, ‘Look, you just don’t say 72 hours; do this and do that.’ We are appealing because the threat serves no purpose,” he said.

The senator said he has been in contact with security agencies and authorities handling the situation, though he declined to share specifics. “I’ve talked to various security agencies and those that matter, and they are working on it,” he said.

For now, families in Borno wait. The insurgents’ threat to move the captives remains on the table, and the clock that started ticking on April 20 has now run out.

Sources: politicsnigeria.com, pmnewsnigeria.com, naijanews.com, thesun.ng, arise.tv