The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied reports suggesting it paid a “huge” ransom or released militant commanders to free schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called the claims “completely false and baseless,” adding that they disrespect 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 denial came after an AFP report cited at least three intelligence sources claiming the government paid a “huge” ransom, with figures ranging from N2 billion in total to as much as N40 million per pupil, roughly $7 million altogether.
The report alleged the ransom was delivered in cash by helicopter to a Boko Haram commander in Gwoza, Borno State. It also claimed the deal included releasing two militant commanders, which would violate Nigerian laws forbidding payments to kidnappers or trading detainees.
Idris said the story relied entirely on unnamed “intelligence sources” and people “familiar with the talks,” ignoring clear denials from official 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 shows contradictions, presenting sharply different accounts about the alleged ransom. This inconsistency proves a lack of direct knowledge and weakens the report’s credibility.
“The claim that ransom was flown by helicopter to insurgents, with cross-border confirmation of receipt, is false. The DSS has formally dismissed it as fake and laughable,” Idris added.
He said the safe rescue of the pupils, without any casualties, was the result of “professional intelligence and operational precision.”
Idris called on journalists to verify facts before publishing speculative stories that could encourage criminals or hurt troop morale.
