A report by the global news agency AFP claims that the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu secretly paid billions of naira to Boko Haram to secure the release of nearly 230 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21. Such a payment would be in direct violation of Nigeria’s 2022 anti-ransom law.
The mass kidnapping initially involved about 300 victims, with at least 50 reportedly escaping. Intelligence sources cited by AFP alleged that the ransom ranged from N2 billion to N10 billion, with one source estimating approximately N40 million per hostage, roughly $7 million in total. The funds were reportedly flown by helicopter into Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, and handed over to a senior commander, Ali Ngulde. Due to limited communications in the region, Ngulde allegedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt before the release of the first 100 children.
The operation was reportedly masterminded by a notorious Boko Haram figure known as Sadiku, who allegedly runs a terror cell in Niger State despite the group’s primary base in the northeast. As part of the deal, two Boko Haram commanders were reportedly released, a move likely to provoke criticism from security analysts and international partners.
Despite these reports, the Nigerian government has consistently denied paying any ransom. The Department of State Services stated that “government agents don’t pay ransoms.” However, AFP cited four intelligence sources who claimed the payment occurred after two weeks of back-channel negotiations reportedly led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Confirmation of such a deal could strain Nigeria’s international counterterrorism cooperation. President Donald Trump previously authorised airstrikes on jihadist targets in northern Nigeria and deployed military trainers to assist local forces. A verified ransom payment would contradict Nigeria’s publicly stated anti-kidnapping stance and could undermine ongoing security partnerships.
The Presidency has not issued a new response to AFP’s investigation as of press time. The incident underscores the persistent challenge of mass abductions in Nigeria, with criminal gangs and insurgent groups exploiting weak security systems to extort millions from families and communities.
