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How Nigerian Govt allegedly paid N2 Billion ransom to Boko Haram for St Mary’s pupils – Report
The money was reportedly flown by helicopter to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, and delivered to militant commander Ali Ngulde, who had to cross into Cameroon to confirm receipt due to network issues.
The federal government of Nigeria reportedly paid N2 billion to Boko Haram militants in exchange for the release of 230 pupils and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, kidnapped in November 2025, according to multiple intelligence sources cited by AFP.
The abduction, which took place on November 21, 2025, in Papiri, central Niger State, involved nearly 300 victims, though about 50 escaped during the incident.
The report claims that, in addition to the ransom payment, the government agreed to release Boko Haram commanders as part of the negotiations.
Intelligence sources revealed that the money was delivered by helicopter to the insurgents’ stronghold in Gwoza, northeastern Borno State, where militant commander Ali Ngulde received the funds. Network issues reportedly forced Ngulde to cross into neighbouring Cameroon to confirm receipt, after which 100 children were released.
Nigerian officials had celebrated the return of the hostages on December 22, 2025, describing it as a successful rescue operation.
However, the AFP report suggests the reality was more complex, involving weeks of negotiation with the insurgents and a significant ransom payment.
The National Security Adviser’s office declined to comment on the report, while the State Security Service reiterated the government’s policy that it does not pay ransoms.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for multiple terror attacks in the country, including the notorious 2014 Chibok school abduction.
The reported negotiations occurred amid heightened international scrutiny of attacks on Christians in Nigeria, with US political figures, including former President Donald Trump, raising concerns of targeted violence, followed by a US bombing in Sokoto State the following month.
AFP
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