FG denies paying ransom for release of Niger schoolchildren

The Federal Government has denied allegations that it paid a huge ransom or released militant commanders to secure the freedom of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.

The government was reacting to a publication circulating in parts of the media, attributed to international wire services, which claimed that ransom was paid and militant commanders freed to facilitate the pupils’ release.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as false and baseless, insisting that they undermine the integrity and professionalism of Nigeria’s security forces.

“The Federal Government states that these allegations are completely false and baseless. For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed,” the statement read.

The government noted that the allegations were based on anonymous intelligence sources and individuals described as being familiar with the talks, contrary to official denials issued by constituted authorities.

It added that the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services and the leadership of the National Assembly had all publicly refuted the claims of ransom payment.

The statement also highlighted what it described as contradictions in the report, arguing that conflicting accounts about the alleged ransom exposed its speculative nature.

Reaffirming its commitment to security, the Federal Government said the successful rescue of the pupils without casualties was achieved through professional intelligence and operational precision, while urging the media to verify facts before publishing reports that could embolden criminal elements or undermine troop morale.