Nigeria Allegedly Paid Millions to Boko Haram for Kidnapped Pupils

Reports indicate that the Nigerian government allegedly paid millions of dollars to Boko Haram for the release of 230 pupils and staff members kidnapped from St. Mary's Boarding School in Papiri during an attack in November.

Intelligence sources claim that approximately $40 million was paid per hostage, totaling close to $7 million, with an overall payment estimated at $2 billion. The funds were reportedly delivered to a Boko Haram command in Gwoza, a known stronghold near the Cameroon border.

Although the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied paying ransom, insisting that the victims were freed through negotiations without financial exchange, intelligence officials familiar with the discussions assert otherwise. The negotiations were coordinated by Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The attack is believed to have been orchestrated by a notorious militant leader, Sadiku, who has been linked to several high-profile kidnappings in northern Nigeria. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of kidnapping for ransom in the country, despite laws criminalizing such payments.