FG denies paying ransom in St Mary’s School abduction, dismisses report as false

The Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically rejected reports circulating in the media alleging that it paid a “huge” ransom and released militant commanders to secure the release of pupils abducted from St Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.

In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, the government described the allegations as “completely false and baseless,” cautioning that they undermine the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces.

“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 read.

The government emphasized that no ransom was paid and no militants were freed, stressing that the claims relied entirely on anonymous “intelligence sources” and unnamed individuals “familiar with the talks,” in direct contradiction to official denials.

“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 ransom payment,” the statement added.

It further dismissed reports suggesting that money was delivered via helicopter and that insurgents confirmed receipt across the border as “fiction” and “laughable.”

The government noted inconsistencies in the media accounts, arguing that the conflicting narratives highlight their speculative nature and lack of credibility.

“Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise.”

“The successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, was the result of professional intelligence and operational precision,” the statement concluded.

The Federal Government urged the media to verify facts before publication, warning that speculative reporting risks emboldening criminals and undermining troop morale.

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