Insecurity: No payment of ransom for release of kidnapped Niger school children –Minister

*Mohammed Idris, fnipr, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, declares ‘for the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed’ in securing freedom for the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to a recent claim in a publication circulating, and attributed to international wire services, alleging that the Nigerian Government paid a “huge” ransom, including the release of militant commanders, to secure the freedom of the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State.

The Federal Government Tuesday, February 24, 2026, stated the 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.”

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, in the statement he personally issued, said though the government respects the freedom of the press, it firmly rejects a narrative built on shadowy, unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws.

The Minister also stated: “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.

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

According to Idris, the said report itself revealed contradictions that exposed 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,” stated he.

He equally explained how Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise.

The Minister emphasised the successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, as the result of professional intelligence and operational precision.

Idris added: “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.”

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