The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly refuted claims circulating in parts of the international media alleging that a “huge” ransom was paid to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government described the report as “completely false and baseless,” stressing that it undermines the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security agencies. According to the release, “for the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.”
The government faulted the report for relying on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals “familiar with the talks,” rather than verifiable, on-the-record accounts. It noted that key authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the leadership of the National Assembly, had all publicly denied any ransom payment.
The statement further pointed out that the report contained conflicting narratives, which, it said, exposed its speculative nature. It dismissed claims that ransom was delivered by helicopter and confirmed across borders, describing such assertions as fiction. The Department of State Services, it added, has formally rejected the allegation as “fake and laughable.”
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Federal Government said Nigeria is facing a “structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise” and emphasized that the successful rescue of the pupils without casualties was achieved through “professional intelligence and operational precision.”
The government also urged media organisations to uphold ethical standards and verify information before publication, warning that unsubstantiated reports could embolden criminals and weaken troop morale.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, who reiterated that the administration remains resolute in safeguarding citizens and protecting the integrity of security operations.
“While we respect the freedom of the press, we firmly reject a narrative built on shadowy, unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws,” the statement concluded.