Opposition Criticizes FG Over N2.23tn Ransom Payments Amid Security Concerns

The revelation by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that Nigerians paid N2.23tn in ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024 has sparked widespread criticism. Major opposition parties, including the Labour Party and New Nigeria People’s Party, have expressed discontent with the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, describing it as inadequate and ineffective.

Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, lamented the normalization of abductions, stating that insecurity has reached every corner of Nigeria. He questioned the effectiveness of security spending and called for better protection for citizens, especially farmers whose safety directly impacts food production.

Similarly, the NNPP’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, criticized the government’s lackadaisical attitude toward the ongoing crisis. He emphasized the psychological toll on Nigerians and called for improved intelligence gathering and prioritization of security to restore confidence among citizens and attract foreign investment.

However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) countered the criticism by questioning the NBS report’s comprehensiveness. APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, argued that while the figures highlight the magnitude of ransom payments, they fail to account for recovered funds from kidnappers. He called for a balanced evaluation of the government’s efforts, including successes in recovering ransom payments and apprehending criminals.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu defended the government, citing an 80% success rate in combating kidnappings over two years. Ribadu also highlighted ongoing measures, including the establishment of a Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency, as part of efforts to curb the menace.