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• Denies allegations of ransom payment in rescue of Niger schoolchildren.
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government, yesterday, said it has taken note of recent statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the United States Congress, contained in a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria submitted to the White House on Monday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, concerning security developments in Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement in Abuja, said Nigeria acknowledged that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities.
Idris also said the Federal Government remained deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from the criminal acts and extended its sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity or region.
He further said it was important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have and has never had a state policy on religious persecution.
Idris stated that the violence being confronted by the security agencies was not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality and longstanding communal tensions.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all citizens. The Federal Government remains firmly committed to upholding these constitutional protections and to ensuring equal protection under the law.
“In response to evolving security threats, the Federal Government has significantly strengthened coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions. Ongoing counter-terrorism offensives have degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements. Intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been enhanced to improve early warning and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
“In addition, the government has intensified surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas long exploited by criminal groups. The establishment and deployment of specially trained forest guards to aim at denying terrorists and bandits safe havens, improve territorial control and strengthen community-level security presence. These efforts are complemented by increased investment in equipment, mobility assets and technology to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“Efforts are also ongoing to improve humanitarian response for internally displaced persons, facilitate the safe return of affected communities and promote community-based peace-building initiatives that foster sustainable coexistence,” Idris said.
The minister added that Nigeria valued its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States.
He also said Nigeria and the United States share common interests in promoting security, economic development and regional stability.
“We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.
“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels, while remaining focused on its primary duty, the protection of all Nigerians,” Idris also said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said there was no ransom paid over the release of the children of St Mary’s boarding school in Niger State.
In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the attention of the Federal Government was drawn to a publication circulating in the media, attributed to international wire services, alleging that the Nigerian Government paid a “huge” ransom, including the release of militant commanders, to secure the freedom of the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State.
“The Federal Government states that these allegations are completely false and baseless and constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily.
While we respect the freedom of the press, we firmly reject a narrative built on shadowy, unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws. For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid and no militant commanders were freed.
“The allegations rely entirely on anonymous intelligence sources and individuals familiar with the talks, in contrast to the clear and on-the-record denials issued by constituted authorities. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the leadership of the National Assembly have all publicly refuted claims of ransom payment.
“The report itself reveals contradictions that expose its speculative character, presenting sharply conflicting accounts regarding the alleged ransom. Such inconsistency underscores a lack of direct knowledge and undermines the credibility of the claims. The assertion that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents, with cross-border confirmation of receipt is fiction. The DSS has formally dismissed this claim as fake and laughable,” Idris said.
The minister further said Nigeria was confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise.
He also said the successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, was the result of professional intelligence and operational precision.
“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to security and urges the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports that risk emboldening criminals or undermining troops’ morale,” the minister stated.
