The Federal Government has denied allegations that it paid ₦2 billion in ransom to secure the release of pupils abducted from St. Mary’s school, pushing back against claims contained in a recent investigative report.
The allegation claimed that the payment was made to Boko Haram fighters as part of negotiations to free the abducted pupils. The report suggested the funds were arranged quietly to ensure the students’ safe return, reigniting debate over Nigeria’s hostage negotiation practices.
In response, the Federal Government dismissed the report as false and misleading. Officials stated clearly that Nigeria does not approve ransom payments to terrorists or bandits and reaffirmed that such payments are not government policy. Authorities emphasized that while securing the release of abducted citizens remains a priority, the government does not finance criminal groups.
The government further reiterated its long-standing position that paying ransom fuels further kidnappings and strengthens insurgent operations. Officials stressed that rescue operations are carried out through security interventions, intelligence coordination, and strategic engagement rather than financial settlements.
Over the past decade, multiple high-profile school abductions in northern states have raised persistent suspicions about whether ransom payments are sometimes made behind closed doors, despite official denials. Successive administrations have maintained that ransom payments are not sanctioned, even as armed groups continue to use kidnapping as a major funding source.
Security analysts warn that even unverified reports of ransom payments can have consequences, potentially emboldening armed groups by reinforcing the perception that mass abductions generate large financial returns.
For now, the Federal Government insists no ransom was paid in the St. Mary’s case and has urged the public to disregard claims suggesting otherwise, as debate over Nigeria’s counter-kidnapping strategy continues.
