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The Federal Government has denied claims that it paid a ransom to kidnappers to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Niger State
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the allegations as “completely false and baseless,” saying they undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces.
FG denies paying ransom for Niger schoolchildren
“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to a publication circulating in the media, attributed to international wire services, alleging that the Nigerian Government paid a ‘huge’ ransom, including the release of militant commanders, to secure the freedom of the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State,” the statement said.
It added, “These allegations constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily. 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. For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the allegations as “completely false and baseless,” saying they undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces.
FG denies paying ransom for Niger schoolchildren
“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to a publication circulating in the media, attributed to international wire services, alleging that the Nigerian Government paid a ‘huge’ ransom, including the release of militant commanders, to secure the freedom of the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State,” the statement said.
It added, “These allegations constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily. 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. For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.