Nigeria Denies Ransom Payments to Boko Haram for School Abductions

The Nigerian government has categorically rejected claims that it paid a significant ransom to the Islamist group Boko Haram in connection to the abduction of more than 200 pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in Papiri in November 2024. Information Minister Mohammed Idris described the allegations, which emerged from a report by AFP citing unnamed intelligence sources, as “false and baseless reporting,” asserting that such claims undermine the professionalism and integrity of the nation’s security forces.

Idris affirmed that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the hostages, which he emphasized included pupils and staff from the school. Additionally, he refuted claims that two Boko Haram commanders were released as part of any deal. The AFP report suggested that ransom payments could range from U.S. $30,000 per captive, totaling as much as U.S. $1.5 million. The report also outlined allegations that the funds were transported by air to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, where they were reportedly handed over to a local commander.

This controversy arises during a particularly sensitive diplomatic period for Abuja, with scrutiny mounting from international observers, especially the United States. Recently, the US House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs submitted a comprehensive report to the White House, detailing findings and recommendations concerning the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Despite the report’s implications, Nigerian officials have consistently maintained that no specific religious group is being targeted amid the rising insecurity that plagues the country.

The abduction from St. Mary’s School marked a significant incident in a series of kidnappings that have increasingly become a hallmark of Boko Haram’s activities. The government’s denial of ransom payments raises critical questions regarding its strategies and efficacy in handling the crisis of mass abductions, which pose a serious threat to educational institutions and public safety in Nigeria.

As the situation unfolds, the tension between the Nigerian government and international bodies highlights the complex dynamics of security, diplomacy, and public perception in the fight against extremism. The global community is watching closely, and the pressure on Nigeria to provide transparency and accountability in its security operations is expected to intensify.

Ultimately, the events surrounding the abductions at St. Mary’s School not only raise issues of immediate security but also speak to the broader challenges facing Nigeria in establishing peace and stability within its borders.

By Omer Aden
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.