FG Denies Paying Ransom to Boko Haram for Abducted Students

The Federal Government of Nigeria has publicly denied paying any ransom to Boko Haram for the release of 230 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary's Secondary and Primary School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21. Reports indicated that nearly 300 individuals were taken, with at least 50 managing to escape.

Rev. Bulu Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State, reported that two Boko Haram commanders were released as part of an alleged agreement. However, Nigerian law prohibits ransom payments to kidnappers, and the government has emphasized that the rescue operation was conducted without casualties, relying on professional intelligence operations.

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Assembly have refuted claims of ransom payments, labeling such reports as speculative and undermining troop morale. The government remains committed to security and urges media outlets to verify facts before publishing potentially damaging speculations.