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The Nigerian Government has denied paying ransom to Boko Haram to secure the release of students who were abducted from the St. Mary’s School in Niger State.
News Central earlier reported that an AFP investigation revealed that the Nigerian government reportedly delivered millions of dollars by helicopter to Boko Haram militants in Gwoza, Borno state, for the release of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped in November 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, denied the allegations, describing them as “completely false and baseless”.
“While we respect the freedom of the press, we firmly reject a narrative built on shadowy, unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws. For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed,” the statement read in part.
According to Idris, the AFP report is based on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals “familiar with the talks,” in contrast to clear denials issued by constituted authorities.
Idris added that the report reveals contradictions that expose its speculative character and presents conflicting accounts regarding the alleged ransom.
“The assertion that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents, with cross-border confirmation of receipt, is fiction. The DSS has formally dismissed this claim as fake and laughable,” Idris added.
