FG denies paying ransom in Niger School children rescue

The Federal Government has denied the alleged payment of ransom, including the release of militant commanders, to secure the freedom of the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State.

Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris made this known over a publication circulating in the media, attributed to international wire services, alleging that Nigerian Govt paid a “huge” ransom to secure the Schoolchildren released.

The Federal Government stated 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.

He said further that while respect the freedom of the press, the Federal Govt firmly reject a narrative built on shadowy, unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws.
According to him, “For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed. The allegations rely entirely on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals “familiar with the talks,” in contrast to the clear and on-the-record denials issued by constituted authorities.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the leadership of the National Assembly have all publicly refuted claims of ransom payment.

“The report itself reveals contradictions that expose its speculative character, presenting sharply conflicting accounts regarding the alleged ransom. Such inconsistency underscores a lack of direct knowledge and undermines the credibility of the claims.
“The assertion that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents, with cross-border confirmation of receipt, is fiction. The DSS has formally dismissed this claim as fake and laughable.

“Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise. The successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, was the result of professional intelligence and operational precision”, the Federal Government said.

The Federal Government vowed to remain unwavering in its commitment to security and urged the media to verify the facts before publishing any speculative report that risk emboldening criminals or undermining troop morale.