‘FG Making Deals With Kidnappers, Reinforcing Banditry Economy, Can’t Deny it’: Bolaji Abdullahi

• The African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, has accused the Federal Government of negotiating with insurgents and kidnappers to secure the release of abducted victims.

The spokesman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has accused the Federal Government of “making deals with insurgents” to secure the release of abducted victims.
He made the allegation while reacting to the rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted during an attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, Kebbi State.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Abdullahi claimed that the pattern surrounding recent rescues suggests the government is entering negotiations with criminal groups.

“What is clear to us is that the government is making deals with kidnappers and insurgents. They want quick wins to celebrate, so they are not hesitating to negotiate,” he said.

Although Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has insisted that no ransom was paid, Abdullahi maintained that the government “cannot deny” engaging the bandits.

He argued that the moment authorities admitted speaking with the abductors, they indirectly confirmed knowing how to reach them.

“If you talked to them and they agreed to release the girls, it means you know where they are. So why hasn’t a single arrest been made?” he asked.

According to reports, the attackers killed the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before abducting the girls on November 17.

“Reinforcing the Banditry Economy”

Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports, warned that negotiating with criminals carries long-term consequences.

“The government is unintentionally reinforcing the banditry economy. When you make deals with kidnappers, you showcase your vulnerability and encourage more attacks,” he said.

He noted that bandits struck another community, Isapa, a day after churchgoers abducted in Ekiti Local Government were freed, insisting this proves that negotiations embolden criminal groups.

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Schools Shutdown Strengthens Boko Haram Ideology

Abdullahi also criticised the government’s decision to shut schools to prevent further abductions, saying it aligns with the ideology of Boko Haram.

“By closing schools, the government is signaling that it cannot protect them. Boko Haram says Western education is forbidden, and shutting schools reinforces that ideology,” he argued.

He welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency but questioned why decisive action only came after global attention intensified.

The ADC spokesman denied claims that his party was fueling insecurity or lobbying the US against Nigeria.

The 24 abducted schoolgirls were reunited with their families on Tuesday.