The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed reports alleging that it paid a “huge” ransom, including freeing militant leaders, to secure the release of schoolchildren kidnapped from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called the claims “entirely false and baseless,” emphasizing that they undermine the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces.
“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 came after a report by AFP, citing at least three intelligence sources, alleged that the government paid a “huge” ransom estimated between N2 billion in total and up to N40 million per child (roughly $7 million overall).
The report claimed the payment was delivered in cash via helicopter to a Boko Haram commander in Gwoza, Borno State, and that the deal included the release of two militant leaders—a move that would violate Nigerian laws prohibiting ransom payments or the exchange of detainees in such cases.
Idris said the reports relied entirely on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals “familiar with the talks,” in contrast to clear 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,” the minister said.
He stressed that the successful rescue of the pupils, carried out without casualties, was the result of “professional intelligence and operational precision.”
Idris urged the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports that could embolden criminals or undermine troop morale.