Federal Government Denies Helicopter Ransom Payment to Boko Haram for Schoolchildren
The federal government of Nigeria has issued a firm denial regarding allegations that a helicopter was used to deliver a substantial ransom payment to Boko Haram insurgents in exchange for the release of abducted schoolchildren from St. Mary's boarding school in Niger State. The government categorically refuted claims of any financial transaction or release of militant commanders, emphasizing its commitment to lawful security operations.
Background of the Abduction Incident
The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, at the Catholic school where nearly 300 pupils and staff were taken hostage by armed militants. According to reports, at least 50 individuals managed to escape following the incident, as confirmed by Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State. The remaining hostages were reportedly held for an extended period before their eventual release.
Allegations of Ransom Payment and Helicopter Delivery
An investigation by AFP cited multiple anonymous intelligence sources who claimed that a "huge" ransom was paid to secure the freedom of up to 230 pupils and staff. The sources provided conflicting estimates, with one suggesting approximately N40 million per person, totaling around $7 million, while another placed the overall figure at about two billion naira.
The viral report further alleged that two Boko Haram commanders were released as part of the negotiation process, despite Nigerian laws explicitly prohibiting ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists. Most notably, the allegations claimed that the funds were transported by helicopter to Gwoza in Borno State, a known Boko Haram stronghold near the Cameroon border, and delivered to a commander identified as Ali Ngulde.
Government's Official Rebuttal
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, issued a comprehensive statement rejecting the allegations as "completely false and baseless." He emphasized that such reports undermine the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria's security forces, who make daily sacrifices to protect citizens.
The federal government's official statement reads: "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. For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed."
The ministry highlighted that the allegations rely entirely on anonymous sources, in contrast to clear, on-the-record denials from constituted authorities including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Assembly leadership.
Contradictions and Security Response
The government pointed out significant contradictions within the report, noting sharply conflicting accounts regarding the alleged ransom amount and delivery method. These inconsistencies were cited as evidence of the report's speculative character and lack of direct knowledge.
Regarding the helicopter delivery claim, the statement described it as "fiction," with the DSS formally dismissing it as "fake and laughable." The government emphasized that Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise, and the successful rescue of the pupils without casualties resulted from professional intelligence and operational precision.
The statement concluded with a call to media organizations: "The federal government remains unwavering in its commitment to security and urges the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports that risk emboldening criminals or undermining troop morale."
Emergency Security Meeting
In related developments, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu convened an emergency security meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja. While the specific agenda was not publicly disclosed, the meeting was understood to coordinate a unified national security response and review intelligence assessments regarding potential consequences of international statements.
The federal government maintains that its approach to security challenges remains within legal frameworks, prioritizing professional operations over negotiations that violate established laws against ransom payments to terrorist organizations.
