By Our Reporter
The Nigerian government allegedly paid a multi-billion-naira ransom and released two Boko Haram commanders to secure the freedom of hundreds of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, according to an investigation by Agence France-Presse (AFP). Citing multiple intelligence sources familiar with the negotiations, AFP reported that the payment was made to facilitate the release of pupils and staff kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State in November 2025.
According to the report, intelligence sources gave differing estimates of the ransom. One source reportedly put the payment at N40 million per hostage, amounting to about $7 million (roughly N10 billion at the prevailing exchange rate), while another estimated the total at about N2 billion. AFP also alleged that two senior Boko Haram commanders were released as part of the negotiations, despite Nigeria’s law prohibiting ransom payments to kidnappers.
AFP further reported that the cash was allegedly flown by helicopter to Boko Haram’s stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, where it was delivered to a militant commander identified as Ali Ngulde before the first batch of abducted children was released. The news agency said the negotiations were led by the Office of the National Security Adviser following the abduction of nearly 300 pupils and staff.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied paying any ransom for the release of kidnapped victims, in line with its ant-ransome law in its constitution. AFP quoted officials as maintaining that government agencies do not negotiate with or pay criminal groups, while the Office of the National Security Adviser did not respond to the news agency’s requests for comment before publication.
The allegations, which have not been independently verified by AFP beyond its cited sources, have reignited debate over Nigeria’s strategy for tackling mass abductions, which continue to plague parts of the country. Security analysts say the controversy underscores the difficult choices governments face between securing the safe return of hostages and avoiding actions that could encourage further kidnappings.