Nigeria Denies Paying Ransom to Boko Haram for Students

The Nigerian Federal Government, represented by Minister of Information Mohan Idri, has strongly rejected claims that it paid a N2 billion ransom to Boko Haram for the release of 230 students and staff abducted from St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State on November 21, 2025.

The government stated that no ransom was paid, and no detainees were released as part of any deal. Allegations circulated on social media suggested that the government had flown money via helicopter to Boko Haram's stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, to facilitate the release.

Security analysts warn that ransom payments may inadvertently support terrorist activities, as they provide financial resources for operations. The government maintains a policy of not negotiating with terrorists, despite the ongoing crisis of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, which has seen hundreds of abductions in recent years.

The situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of rescue operations without financial exchanges and the implications of ransom payments on national security.