The Federal Government has strongly refuted media reports alleging that it paid a large ransom and released detained militant commanders to secure the freedom of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
The denial comes amid widespread circulation of a publication attributed to international wire services, which claimed that Nigerian authorities transferred a “huge” sum of money to insurgents and freed certain militant leaders as part of negotiations that led to the release of the abducted pupils.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government described the allegations as completely false, baseless, and damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s security institutions. The Minister said the report not only misrepresented the facts surrounding the rescue operation but also constituted a disservice to the professionalism and sacrifices of security personnel working to safeguard the country.
According to the statement, the narrative being promoted in parts of the media relies heavily on unnamed and unverifiable sources. The government expressed concern that such speculative reporting undermines public trust and risks distorting the realities of national security operations.
“While we respect the freedom of the press,” the statement read, “we firmly reject a narrative built on shadowy, unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws.”
The Minister stated unequivocally that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the schoolchildren and that no militant commanders were freed in exchange for their freedom.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed,” the statement emphasized.
The government further pointed out that the allegations are based entirely on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals described as being “familiar with the talks,” rather than on verifiable, on-the-record statements. In contrast, it noted that constituted authorities have publicly and categorically denied any ransom payment.
According to the statement, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the leadership of the National Assembly have all issued clear denials rejecting claims that money was paid to the abductors or that detained militants were released as part of any arrangement.
The Federal Government also highlighted what it described as internal inconsistencies within the report itself. It argued that the publication contained sharply conflicting accounts regarding the alleged ransom amount and the manner in which it was supposedly delivered, thereby exposing the speculative character of the claims.
Such contradictions, the government said, underscore a lack of direct knowledge by those cited in the report and weaken the credibility of the allegations. It specifically dismissed assertions that ransom was transported by helicopter to insurgent strongholds and that cross-border confirmation of payment was obtained.
The DSS, according to the statement, has formally described those claims as “fake and laughable,” insisting that no such operation occurred.
Beyond rejecting the specific allegations, the government stressed that Nigeria is confronting what it described as a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise that has made kidnapping a lucrative activity in certain parts of the country. It maintained that responding effectively to such threats requires careful intelligence work, coordinated security operations, and strategic restraint.
The successful recovery of the abducted pupils, the statement said, was achieved without casualty and was the product of professional intelligence gathering and operational precision by security agencies. It credited the outcome to the dedication and expertise of personnel who worked tirelessly under challenging circumstances to ensure the safe return of the children.
The government warned that publishing unverified and speculative reports could have unintended consequences. According to the statement, such narratives risk emboldening criminal elements by suggesting that ransom payments are a viable pathway to financial gain, while also potentially undermining troop morale.
Security officials, it said, operate in complex and high-risk environments and deserve public support rather than unfounded accusations that call their integrity into question.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and adhering to existing legal frameworks that prohibit the payment of ransom to kidnappers and terrorist groups. It emphasized that its policies are guided by national interest and the long-term goal of dismantling criminal networks, rather than offering incentives that could perpetuate insecurity.
While acknowledging the vital role of the media in a democratic society, the government urged journalists and news organizations to verify information thoroughly before publication, particularly on sensitive security matters.
Responsible reporting, the statement noted, is essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that misinformation does not complicate ongoing security efforts.
The government concluded by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the country. It pledged continued investment in intelligence capabilities, inter-agency collaboration, and operational reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
As debates continue over how best to confront the growing challenge of kidnapping and insurgency, the Federal Government’s position remains clear: the rescue of the Niger State schoolchildren was achieved without ransom payment or the release of militant commanders, and claims to the contrary are unfounded.
The administration, it said, remains focused on confronting criminal enterprises decisively while preserving the integrity of its institutions and the rule of law.
