FG Denies Paying Ransom for Release of Niger Schoolchildren

The Federal Government has rejected claims that it paid a “huge” ransom or freed militant commanders in exchange for the release of students abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.

In a statement issued Tuesday by Information Minister Mohammed Idris, the government described the reports circulating in some international media outlets as false, baseless, and harmful to the reputation of Nigeria’s security agencies.

The statement emphasised that no ransom was paid and no militant leaders were released, insisting that the successful rescue was achieved through professional intelligence work and precise operational planning.

The government argued that the allegations, drawn from anonymous and conflicting sources, lacked credibility. It pointed to public denials from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Assembly leadership.

Claims that a ransom was airlifted by helicopter and confirmed across borders were dismissed as fabrications. The DSS reportedly labelled the narrative as completely untrue.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its resolve to address insecurity and urged media organisations to verify facts before publishing reports that could embolden criminals or undermine the morale of security personnel.