Amid fresh controversy surrounding the release of abducted pupils in Niger State, the Federal Government has denied reports that it paid ransom to secure their freedom.
The pupils were abducted on November 21, 2025, when gunmen attacked St. Mary Catholic School in the Agwara area and took away more than 300 children. Over 100 of the pupils were freed on December 7, 2025, while the remaining victims were later released in separate batches.
The denial follows a report by an international news organisation which claimed that Nigerian authorities paid a large ransom and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to facilitate the pupils’ freedom. The report also alleged that the payment was delivered by helicopter to a terrorist commander in Borno State.
Reacting to the claims, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the report as false and misleading. He said the allegations undermine the efforts and professionalism of Nigeria’s security agencies.
The minister maintained that no ransom was paid and no terrorist commanders were released, stressing that the rescue of the pupils was achieved through coordinated intelligence and security operations.
He added that relevant institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the State Security Services, and the National Assembly, have all rejected the claims.
The Federal Government has also called on media organisations to verify their reports, reaffirming its commitment to national security and the protection of citizens.
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