The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called for a full investigation into reports that the Federal Government allegedly paid N2 billion to Boko Haram militants to secure the release of abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
The opposition parties made the demand following a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which claimed that millions of dollars were paid for the release of up to 230 pupils and staff kidnapped in November 2025. The report also alleged that two militant commanders were freed as part of the arrangement and that the ransom was delivered in cash to insurgents in Gwoza, Borno State.
FG Denies Allegations
The Federal Government, however, has firmly denied the claims. In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the allegations as “completely false and baseless.”
It insisted that no ransom was paid and no detainees were released in exchange for the pupils’ freedom. The government maintained that the victims were rescued through coordinated security and intelligence operations.
The statement further argued that the AFP report relied on anonymous sources and contradicted official positions earlier communicated by security agencies. Authorities also dismissed as fictitious the claim that ransom funds were transported by helicopter to insurgents.
Opposition Raises Concerns
In its reaction, the ADC said the allegations, if proven, would contradict the government’s public stance against negotiating with terrorists and could violate the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The party called on the Federal Government to provide a categorical clarification on whether any payments were made, directly or indirectly, or whether any detained suspects were released as part of negotiations.
Similarly, the PDP urged transparency and warned that ransom payments encourage kidnapping and weaken national security. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party expressed concern over reports suggesting growing ransom payments across the country under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School occurred on November 21, 2025. While some pupils reportedly escaped, others were released weeks later following negotiations coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu.
As controversy lingers, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism and urged the media to verify reports before publication, while opposition parties continue to demand an independent probe into the allegations.
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