By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently clarify reports alleging that more than N10 billion was paid as ransom and two senior Boko Haram commanders were released to secure the freedom of abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said while it welcomed the safe return of the victims, the allegations—if true—raise grave concerns about Nigeria’s counter-terrorism posture and adherence to the law.

The controversy follows international media reports claiming that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorised both a substantial ransom payment and the release of high-profile detainees linked to Boko Haram as part of negotiations to free the kidnapped victims.
On government’s previous denials,

The ADC recalled that shortly after the victims regained freedom, the Federal Government and security agencies publicly denied paying any ransom. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, reportedly described ransom payments as “one of the worst things” fueling insecurity in the country.
The party also referenced the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalises negotiations and ransom payments to terrorists and kidnappers.

According to the ADC, confirmation of the reports would suggest a contradiction between government policy and practice.
“Serious National Security Implications”
The party warned that alleged ransom payments on such a scale, coupled with the potential release of senior terror suspects, could amount to terrorism financing and undermine the rule of law.

“Nigeria cannot claim to discourage ransom payments while operating in a manner that, if confirmed, rewards terror networks, incentivises future abductions, and puts more communities at risk,” the statement read.
The ADC further alleged that presenting ransom arrangements as rescue operations would erode public trust and embolden criminal networks.

The opposition party is demanding a clear and categorical response from the Federal Government on whether any ransom—directly or indirectly—was paid in connection with the Papiri abduction and whether any detainees were released or exchanged as part of negotiations.

While acknowledging the pressure on government to ensure the safe return of abducted citizens, the ADC cautioned against what it described as sacrificing long-term national security principles for short-term political gains.
“No serious government will sacrifice national security on the altar of political expediency and short-term media applause,” the statement concluded.

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Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

In a major security reshuffle announced on Tuesday February 24, 2026 President Bola Tinubu removed Inspector‑General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun and named Assistant Inspector‑General Olatunji Rilwan Disu as his successor.

Disu, who most recently headed the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex at Alagbon, Lagos, is expected to assume office immediately and oversee a nationwide command transition.

Sources from the Presidency and the Police Service Commission confirm that Egbetokun was directed to prepare his handover notes after a meeting at the Presidential Villa, marking an abrupt end to his tenure that began in June 2023 and was extended beyond the usual retirement age.

Disu, a career officer with over three decades of service, previously commanded the Intelligence Response Team and the Rapid Response Squad, earning a reputation for tech‑savvy, intelligence‑driven policing.

The appointment signals a strategic push to inject fresh tactical energy into the Nigeria Police Force amid rising security challenges and ongoing high‑profile investigations.

He is taking over from IGP Olukayode Egbetokun as the 23rd indegenous Inspector-General of Police in Nigeria.

Official statements from the Force Headquarters and the Presidency are expected shortly, with a formal handover ceremony slated for Louis Edet House in Abuja. 

End

By George Mgbeleke

Finally Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office at the request of President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that Mr Egbetokun stay in the Police force has been marked by controversy.

A source in the presidency said Mr Egbetokun was asked to resign at a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

Egbetokun was appointed by President Tinubu as the 22nd IGP on 19 June 2023. His substantive appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 31 October that year.

Appointed as IGP at the age of 58, Mr Egbetokun was due for retirement on 4 September 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60.

He was thus expected to complete his four-year tenure and remain in office until 31 October 2027.

Despite complaints by many Nigerians, the presidency explained that Mr Egbetokun remained in office legally, citing the amended Police Act 2024, which allows an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term regardless of their age or years of service.

Mr Egbetokun’s tenure as IGP was marked by several controversies, including human rights abuses.

The presidency has yet to issue a statement confirming Mr Egbetokun’s removal. Calls to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and police spokesperson Ben Hundeyin did not go through at the time of this report. However, a source at the presidency said an official announcement would be made later on Tuesday.

Details of his resignation will follow later