We didn’t pay ransom for released pupils in Niger – FG

By Lawrence Agbo

Reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria paid a “huge” ransom, which included the release of terrorist commanders, to secure the release of schoolchildren kidnapped from Niger State’s St. Mary’s Boarding School have been denied.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, called the accusations “wholly untrue and baseless” in a statement released on Tuesday, calling them a betrayal of the integrity and professionalism of Nigeria’s security services.

“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 statement said.

The rebuttal followed a report by AFP, which cited at least three intelligence sources alleging that the government paid a “huge” ransom, with figures varying between N2 billion overall and up to N40 million per head (roughly $7 million total).

The report claimed the ransom was delivered in cash via helicopter to a Boko Haram commander in Gwoza, Borno State.

Additionally, it referenced sources that said the agreement included the release of two militant commanders, which would be against Nigerian legislation that forbids paying kidnappers or exchanging captives in such circumstances.

In contrast to unequivocal denials made by legitimate authorities, Idris claimed that the claims were solely based on anonymous “intelligence sources” and those “familiar with the talks.”

“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,” the minister said.

He emphasized that “professional intelligence and operational precision” were responsible for the pupils’ successful rescue, which was executed without any casualties.

Before publishing speculative stories that can incite criminal activity or demoralize soldiers, Idris encouraged the media to confirm the facts.