The 25-Year-Old Who Negotiates with Boko Haram

Nigeria continues to grapple with a kidnapping crisis. Thousands have been abducted over the past decade, making kidnapping for ransom an underground economy. At the center of all of this is Ummi Kalthum, just 25 years old, who negotiates directly with Boko Haram, delivering ransoms for terrified families.

But paying ransom is deeply controversial, since it funds the same terrorists who are kidnapping in the first place. In this episode, correspondent Chika Oduah follows Ummi as she attempts to negotiate the release of hostages, while at the same time the Nigerian government considers a bill that would make her work illegal.

For more watch VICE News video reported and produced by Chika Oduah, Joe Hill and Roberto Daza.

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