Fresh controversy has erupted over the December 2025 release of pupils and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State following a report alleging that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid N2 billion to secure their freedom from Boko Haram insurgents.
According to AFP, which cited multiple intelligence sources, the terrorists initially demanded $7 million - said to be N40 million per captive - for the release of about 230 pupils and staff abducted in November 2025. While the precise amount allegedly paid remains unclear, some sources claimed the government eventually settled on a lump sum of N2 billion following negotiations.
The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, in Papiri, central Niger State, where nearly 300 pupils and staff were taken during the attack. About 50 reportedly escaped shortly after the incident, leaving more than 200 in captivity.
On December 22, 2025, government officials announced what they described as a successful rescue operation, celebrating the return of the victims. However, AFP’s report suggests the release may have been the outcome of behind-the-scenes negotiations rather than an exclusively military operation.
Three intelligence sources told the news agency that the ransom money was allegedly transported by helicopter to Gwoza in Borno State, a stronghold of Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria. The funds were reportedly handed over to a militant commander identified as Ali Ngulde.
Due to poor telecommunications coverage in the area, the commander was said to have crossed into neighbouring Cameroon to confirm receipt of the payment before the insurgents released an initial batch of 100 children.
The report further alleged that the arrangement may have included the release of certain Boko Haram commanders, a claim likely to intensify debate over Nigeria’s counterterrorism approach.
When contacted, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which AFP said handled negotiations for about two weeks, declined to comment. The State Security Service (SSS) reiterated the government’s long-standing stance that it does not pay ransom to terrorist groups.
Successive administrations in Nigeria have maintained an official no-ransom policy, arguing that such payments could embolden insurgents and finance future attacks. However, hostage situations have often placed authorities under significant public pressure to prioritise the safe return of victims.
Boko Haram has been responsible for some of the country’s deadliest attacks, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction that sparked global outrage. Despite sustained military operations, the group continues to carry out attacks in parts of northeastern Nigeria.
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