Nigeria denies report it paid 'huge' ransom to free pupils in mass abduction

The rebuttal was followed by news the police chief was resigning a year before the end of his term.

The Federal Government has described as untrue publications circulating in some sections of the media about huge ransom and release of militant commanders to secure the release of abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic School Papiri in Niger State. It says the allegations are completely false and baseless, and constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily.

Nigeria's government has rejected a media report alleging that it paid a 'huge' ransom to Boko Haram to secure the release of over 200 pupils and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November. Information Minister Mohammed Idris described the allegation as 'completely false and baseless' and a 'disservice to the professionalism and integrity' of the security forces. He also denied that two Boko Haram commanders were freed as part of the deal. In a separate announcement, a presidential spokesman stated that police chief Kayode Egbetokun, a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, has resigned.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed media reports alleging that it paid a huge ransom and released militant commanders to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State. In a statement issued by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, the government described the claims as completely false and baseless, emphasizing that they undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces.

The Federal Government has debunked alleged payment of ransom to kidnappers to rescue Niger State school children. A statement on Tuesday signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the allegations are completely false and baseless, and constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily.

Multiple intelligence sources have alleged that the Nigerian government secretly paid a multimillion-dollar ransom to secure the release of pupils and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November, despite repeated official denials and existing laws banning ransom payments. Sources told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the payment was made to militants linked to Boko Haram, and that the deal also involved the release of two senior commanders of the group.

The Nigerian government has denied paying ransom to Boko Haram militants for the release of children and staff abducted from a Catholic school in November, calling the allegations 'completely false and baseless'.

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 Nigerian government has denied reports alleging it paid a 'huge' ransom to Boko Haram to free pupils abducted from St Mary's School, following news of the police chief's resignation.