Federal Government Denies Paying Ransom to Secure Release of Abducted Schoolchildren

The Federal Government has denied reports that it paid ransom to secure the release of dozens of pupils and staff abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State by Boko Haram militants.

According to Africa News, the kidnapping took place in November in north central Nigeria and was described as one of the largest mass abductions in the country in recent times.

The government’s reaction followed an investigative report which alleged that millions of dollars were secretly channelled to the jihadist group in exchange for the hostages’ freedom. The report also claimed that two commanders linked to the group were released as part of the arrangement.

Responding to the claims, Nigeria’s Minister of Information dismissed the allegations, stating that the students were freed through professional intelligence work and operational precision by security agencies.

He described the accusations as completely false and without foundation, adding that such reports undermine the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily.

The Federal Government maintains that the release of the students was achieved through coordinated security efforts rather than any form of ransom payment.

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