Nigerian Government Denies Ransom Payment for Abducted Pupils

The Nigerian government has officially denied allegations that it paid a ransom for the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary's Boarding School in Niger State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris labeled the claims as completely false and baseless, asserting that no ransom was paid and that the rescue operation was successfully carried out without any casualties. Reports from AFP had cited at least three intelligence sources alleging that the government paid a ransom amounting to N2 billion, approximately N40 million per head, totaling around N7 million.

These claims suggested that the ransom was delivered via helicopter to a Boko Haram command in Gwoza, Borno State, and included the release of two military commanders. Idris emphasized that such payments contravene Nigerian law, which prohibits ransom payments in kidnapping cases.

He urged the media to verify facts and avoid publishing speculative reports that could undermine troop morale and embolden criminals.