Nigerian Government Denies Ransom Payment for Niger Schoolchildren Rescue
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong and unequivocal denial regarding media reports alleging that it paid a substantial ransom and released militant commanders to secure the freedom of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State. These reports, which have been circulating widely and attributed to international wire services, claimed that the Nigerian Government engaged in such actions to facilitate the release of the kidnapped pupils.
Official Statement Rejects Allegations
In a formal statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, the government labeled these allegations as completely false and baseless. The statement emphasized that such claims constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces, as well as the daily sacrifices they make to protect citizens.
“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 declared. It further clarified, “For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.”
Contradictions in Media Reports
The government pointed out that the allegations rely entirely on anonymous ‘intelligence sources’ and individuals ‘familiar with the talks,’ in stark contrast to the clear and on-the-record denials issued by constituted authorities. Key institutions, including 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 any ransom payment.
The statement highlighted that the media report itself contains 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,” it noted. Specifically, the assertion that a ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents, with cross-border confirmation of receipt, was dismissed as fiction, with the DSS formally labeling this claim as fake and laughable.
Commitment to Security and Professionalism
Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise, and the successful rescue of the pupils, achieved without any casualties, was attributed to professional intelligence and operational precision. The Federal Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to security and urged the media to verify facts thoroughly before publishing speculative reports that could risk emboldening criminals or undermining troop morale.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s security landscape and the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining public trust and supporting national efforts against criminal activities.
