Nigeria Paid Millions to Boko Haram to Free 230 Schoolchildren, Officials Deny Ransom

Nigeria reportedly paid millions of dollars to Boko Haram to secure the release of up to 230 children and staff abducted from St. Mary’s school in Niger State. Two Boko Haram commanders were also freed. Government officials deny any ransom, but intelligence sources confirmed payments were made. The hostages were released after two weeks of negotiations led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, highlighting ongoing challenges with mass abductions and extremist violence.

An AFP investigation has revealed that the Nigerian government reportedly paid Boko Haram militants a substantial ransom to secure the release of up to 230 children and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, central Niger State was delivered by helicopter to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, located in northeastern Borno State the children and staff followed two weeks of intensive negotiations led by Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser. While the hostages were freed safely, the reports of ransom payments are likely to draw international criticism, particularly from US President Donald Trump, who has previously ordered airstrikes against jihadist groups in northern Nigeria and sent military trainers to assist Nigerian forces. The revelation of payments could complicate Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships, as it raises questions about the government’s adherence to anti-kidnapping laws and international norms.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups in Nigeria, as well as the ongoing challenge of mass kidnappings for ransom. Criminal networks and jihadist groups have frequently collaborated to extort millions of dollars from hostages’ families, often exploiting the government’s inability to prevent such attacks. The case also highlights the difficult ethical and legal decisions governments face when negotiating with violent groups: saving lives may necessitate actions that contravene existing laws, but these actions may also risk encouraging future abductions. Beyond the immediate rescue, the kidnapping reveals broader security and governance challenges in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement, intelligence coordination, and international support to combat extremist violence and protect vulnerable populations.
This episode illustrates the complex intersection of security, law, and humanitarian considerations in a country long plagued by insurgency, abductions, and widespread instability, and raises questions about the long-term implications of negotiating with armed extremist groups in hostage situations.