Nigeria’s Federal Government allegedly paid about N2 billion to Boko Haram terrorists to secure the release of pupils and staff abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, according to a report published by international news agency Agency de France (AFP)
The report, which cited multiple intelligence sources familiar with the negotiations, stated that the terrorists initially demanded $7 million in exchange for the freedom of about 230 pupils and members of staff kidnapped in November 2025.
AFP further claimed that the agreement between government negotiators and the insurgents reportedly included the release of some detained Boko Haram commanders as part of the deal.
Nigerian authorities had on December 22, 2025, announced the return of the victims, attributing their freedom to successful rescue operations by security forces.
However, intelligence sources quoted in the AFP report alleged that ransom payments played a major role in securing the release.
According to the sources, the money was allegedly transported by helicopter to Gwoza in Borno State, a known insurgent enclave, where it was handed over to a Boko Haram commander identified as Ali Ngulde.
Due to poor telecommunications network within the area, the commander reportedly crossed into neighbouring Cameroon to confirm receipt of the payment before the insurgents released an initial batch of about 100 children.
The mass abduction occurred on November 21, 2025 in Papiri, located in central Niger State, involving nearly 300 victims. Reports indicated that about 50 pupils managed to escape during the attack.
Despite repeated allegations surrounding ransom negotiations in previous kidnapping incidents, the Nigerian government has consistently denied paying ransom to terrorist groups.
When contacted by AFP, the State Security Service maintained that government policy does not support ransom payments, while the Office of the National Security Adviser declined to comment on the claims.
The insurgent group has been linked to several major attacks across Nigeria, including the widely condemned Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.
The report also surfaced amid earlier comments by former United States President Donald Trump concerning alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and calls for international attention to insecurity in the country.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no fresh official response from Nigerian authorities regarding the AFP allegations.
