The Federal Government has dismissed reports alleging that it paid a large ransom and released militant commanders to secure the freedom of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Papiri, Niger State, describing the claims as false and baseless.
An earlier report by AFP claimed that authorities paid a multimillion-dollar ransom to secure the release of 230 pupils and staff abducted during the November 21 attack on the school. Nearly 300 individuals were initially taken, with at least 50 later escaping, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria chairman in the state, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.
The report also alleged that two Boko Haram commanders were freed as part of negotiations and that funds were transported by helicopter to Gwoza in Borno State, an area known for insurgent activity.
However, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris rejected the allegations, saying they were based on unnamed sources and did not reflect reality.
He stated that no ransom was paid and no militant commanders were released, adding that the claims undermine the professionalism of Nigeria’s security forces. According to him, the successful rescue of the pupils was achieved through intelligence-led operations rather than negotiations.
The government noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the leadership of the National Assembly had all publicly refuted the ransom allegations.
Officials further described parts of the report as contradictory and speculative, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to combating kidnapping and terrorism without making concessions to criminal groups.
The government urged media organisations to verify sensitive security information before publication, warning that unverified claims could embolden criminal networks and weaken public confidence in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
