FG Denies Paying Ransom for Niger School Abductions

The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, has categorically denied allegations that it paid a ransom for the release of 230 students and staff kidnapped from St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State.

The claims, reported by the international news agency AFP, suggested that the government paid Boko Haram militants millions of dollars, with estimates ranging from N2 billion to N10 billion. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, has called for a thorough investigation into these allegations, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts.

The ADC criticized the government for potentially negotiating with terrorists under the guise of rescue operations, which they argue could perpetuate a cycle of kidnapping. Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, has previously stated that ransom payments promote insecurity.

The Federal Government firmly rejected the claims as false and baseless, asserting that no ransom was paid for the release of the abducted individuals.