The Nigerian Government has dismissed claims that it paid a ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from a boarding school in Niger State.
The allegations, circulated by an international publication, suggested that the government also released militant commanders as part of a deal to free the pupils. These claims were described as entirely false by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
In a statement, the minister emphasised that the report misrepresents facts and undermines the professionalism and dedication of Nigeria’s security forces. He stressed that no ransom was paid and no militants were freed.
According to the minister, the report relied on unnamed sources and anonymous “intelligence” claims, contradicting clear and on-the-record denials issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and leadership of the National Assembly.
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He further highlighted inconsistencies within the report, noting that suggestions of ransom being delivered by helicopter and confirmed across borders were entirely unfounded. The DSS has officially dismissed these claims as baseless.
The minister also underlined that the successful rescue of the abducted children, carried out without casualties, was the result of careful intelligence operations and coordinated action by security agencies.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to public safety, he urged media outlets to verify information before publication to prevent the spread of false narratives that could embolden criminal elements or undermine the morale of security personnel.
