FG Denies Ransom Payment for Niger Schoolchildren Release

On Tuesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of Information Alhaji Moham Idri, denied allegations that a ransom was paid for the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary's Boarding School in Niger State.

Idri described the claims as false and baseless, asserting that they undermine the credibility of Nigeria's security agencies. He emphasized that no ransom was paid and that the children were freed through professional intelligence operations without casualties.

The minister criticized the reports for being built on anonymous sources and lacking direct knowledge, which he argued undermines the integrity of the claims. He also noted that the Department of State Services (DSS) formally dismissed the ransom payment claims as fake.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to security and urged the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports that could embolden criminal enterprises and undermine troop morale.