Nigerian Government Denies Ransom for Abducted Children

On Tuesday, the Nigerian federal government refuted claims made by certain media outlets that a substantial ransom was paid for the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary's Boarding School in Niger State.

Alhaji Mohd Idri, the Minister of Information, issued a statement asserting that these reports were false and baseless, constituting a disservice to Nigeria's security agencies. He emphasized that no ransom was paid and that the claims undermined the credibility of the nation's security forces, who operate with integrity and sacrifice daily.

The Minister criticized the reliance on anonymous intelligence sources and highlighted the contradictions in the ransom payment reports. He urged the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports, warning that such narratives could embolden criminal enterprises and undermine troop morale.

The Department of State Services (DSS) also formally dismissed the ransom claims as fake and laughable, reaffirming the government's commitment to security without casualties.