Trendbrio.com

The Federal Government has rejected claims that it paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School 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,” warning that such reports undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security personnel. The statement addressed reports circulating via international wire services, which alleged that the government paid a large ransom and released militant commanders to secure the children’s freedom. It firmly denied the claims, saying no ransom was paid and no militants were released. “These allegations constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily,” the statement said. “While we respect press freedom, narratives based on unnamed sources that aim to discredit a sovereign government are rejected outright.” The government noted that the reports relied entirely on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals “familiar with the talks,” contradicting official denials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Assembly leadership. The statement also highlighted inconsistencies in the reports, including the claim that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents and confirmed across borders, which the DSS dismissed as “fake and laughable.” It emphasized that the safe rescue of the pupils, with no casualties, was the result of professional intelligence operations and careful planning, not ransom payments. The government called on media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid encouraging criminal activity or undermining troop morale. “Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise, and the Federal Government remains fully committed to security,” the statement concluded.