The Federal Government has dismissed media reports claiming it paid a “huge” ransom or released militants to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
The Federal Government, in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, stated that these allegations are completely false and baseless and 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,” the statement said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.
“The allegations rely entirely on anonymous ‘intelligence sources and individuals ‘familiar with the talks,’ in contrast to the clear and on-the-record denials issued by constituted authorities.
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“The Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the leadership of the National Assembly have all publicly refuted claims of ransom payment.
“The report itself reveals contradictions that expose its speculative character, presenting sharply conflicting accounts regarding the alleged ransom.
“Such inconsistency underscores a lack of direct knowledge and undermines the credibility of the claims. The assertion that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents, with cross-border confirmation of receipt, is fiction. The DSS has formally dismissed this claim as fake and laughable.
“Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise. The successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, was the result of professional intelligence and operational precision.
“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to security and urges the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports that risk emboldening criminals or undermining troop morale.”
Government officials further stressed that the successful rescue of the students highlights the professionalism and dedication of Nigeria’s security agencies. They emphasised that speculation about ransom payments only serves to undermine public confidence and the morale of officers on the ground.
Civil society groups and security analysts have echoed the government’s position, urging media outlets to verify facts before reporting on sensitive security operations. Many have called for responsible journalism, warning that unverified claims could inadvertently encourage criminal elements or spread fear among the public.
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