The Federal Government has strongly denied reports that it paid a huge ransom and released militant commanders to secure the freedom of pupils kidnapped from St Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammad Idris described the allegation as false and misleading. He said the claims attempt to damage the image of Nigeria’s security agencies and ignore the sacrifices they make daily.
He insisted that no money changed hands and no militant leader was released in exchange for the children. According to him, security authorities including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and leaders of the National Assembly have already rejected the ransom narrative.
The minister also pointed out contradictions in the media report, saying it relied on unnamed sources and conflicting accounts. He dismissed as fiction the claim that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents across the border.
Idris explained that security forces rescued the schoolchildren through intelligence gathering and precise operations. He said Nigeria is dealing with a well organised criminal network but remains firm in its strategy not to reward crime.
The Federal Government urged media organisations to verify information before publication, warning that unconfirmed reports could weaken troop morale and encourage criminals.
More details are expected as authorities continue to provide updates.
