The Peoples Democratic Party has accused the Federal Government of paying ransom to secure the release of kidnapped victims.
The opposition party described the alleged action as shameful and warned that it could encourage more criminal activity.
In a statement, the PDP cited recent local and international media reports alleging that ransom was paid to free abducted victims in parts of Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states.
The party said the reports surfaced after a visit by US Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Jonathan Burke, who met with Nigerian security and finance officials to discuss disrupting illicit financial flows linked to extremist groups.
Referencing the 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey by the National Bureau of Statistics, the PDP claimed ransom payments have grown into what it called a trillion naira economy.
It alleged that about N2.3 trillion was paid between May 2023 and April 2024, with more than two million people reportedly kidnapped within that period.
The party argued that it would be contradictory for a government that enacted the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, which criminalizes ransom payments, to be accused of authorizing such payments from public funds.
The PDP also pointed to Nigeria’s position in global security and governance reports to support its claim that insecurity has worsened.
It urged the Federal Government to halt any alleged ransom payments, fully enforce anti terrorism laws and strengthen efforts to track illicit financial flows.
The Federal Government has repeatedly denied negotiating with or paying ransom to criminal groups.
