The Federal Government has strongly denied reports alleging that it paid a substantial ransom and released militant commanders to secure the freedom of schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “completely false and baseless,” insisting that no ransom was paid and no militant commanders were released as part of efforts to secure the pupils’ freedom.
The reports, attributed to unnamed international wire service sources, had alleged that a large payment was made and certain detained commanders were freed during negotiations. However, the government said the narrative was built on anonymous intelligence sources and individuals purportedly “familiar with the talks,” rather than on verifiable, on-the-record statements.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed,” the statement read.
The government maintained that key security institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the leadership of the National Assembly, have publicly refuted the allegations.
According to the statement, the report contained internal contradictions, including conflicting accounts of how the alleged ransom was delivered. One such claim — that funds were transported by helicopter to insurgents with cross-border confirmation of receipt — was described by the DSS as “fake and laughable.”
The Federal Government emphasized that the successful rescue of the pupils without casualties was achieved through coordinated intelligence gathering and operational precision by security agencies.
It further cautioned media organisations against publishing speculative reports, warning that unverified claims could undermine national security efforts and embolden criminal groups.
Nigeria continues to grapple with organised, profit-driven kidnapping networks, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions. The government reaffirmed its commitment to confronting these security challenges and safeguarding citizens across the country.
Comments