Nigeria Denies Paying Ransom for Release of 230 Schoolchildren Abducted by Boko Haram

The Nigerian government denied reports that it paid ransom to Boko Haram to free about 230 children and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in November 2025. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said the release was achieved through professional intelligence and operational precision, calling the ransom claims false and a disservice to the integrity of Nigeria’s security forces.

The Nigerian government on Tuesday firmly denied allegations that it paid a ransom to secure the release of approximately 230 children and staff who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from a Catholic school in north-central Niger State in November 2025. These claims emerged following a report by AFP, which suggested that the government had made a “huge” payment, amounting to millions of dollars, to Boko Haram in exchange for the safe return of the students and staff.
Addressing the allegations, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the release of the abducted students and staff was not the result of any ransom payment but was instead achieved through careful intelligence gathering, strategic planning, and operational precision by the nation’s security forces. “The Federal Government states that these 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,” Idris said in an official statement, highlighting the dedication and effectiveness of the security personnel involved in the rescue operation.
The abduction at St. Mary’s co-educational boarding school in November 2025 marked one of the largest mass kidnappings in Nigeria’s history, drawing national and international attention to the escalating threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups in the country. The incident underscored the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly in the north-central region, where communities remain vulnerable to terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violent criminal activity.
The government’s response also aimed to reassure the public that Nigeria’s security apparatus is capable of conducting complex rescue operations without succumbing to terrorist demands. By attributing the successful release of the students and staff to intelligence-driven and coordinated security efforts, officials sought to reinforce public confidence in the country’s security institutions and the commitment of personnel who risk their lives daily to protect citizens and maintain order.
This clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Nigerian government’s handling of security incidents and the broader challenge of combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings across the country. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to improving security, strengthening intelligence operations, and ensuring that incidents like the St. Mary’s abduction are addressed with professionalism and efficiency, without compromising the integrity of national security policies.
The government’s denial also reflects a broader effort to counter misinformation and reports that could undermine the morale of security forces and erode public trust in their operations. By presenting a clear account of the rescue as a result of tactical planning and operational competence, the Nigerian government aims to demonstrate both transparency and accountability in responding to security threats while honoring the sacrifices of its personnel.