The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a full investigation following allegations that the Federal Government paid ransom to secure the release of pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
In a strong rebuttal, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed claims that it paid billions of naira or released militant commanders as part of negotiations with insurgents.
Authorities described the reports as “false and baseless,” insisting that no ransom was paid and no detainees were freed.
The controversy stems from international media reports alleging that up to 230 students and staff kidnapped in November 2025 were released after substantial payments were made to Boko Haram militants.
The reports further claimed that cash was delivered by helicopter to insurgents in Borno State.
Reacting, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that if confirmed, such actions could undermine Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework and contradict existing laws prohibiting ransom payments.
The party urged the government to provide a categorical clarification on whether any financial or prisoner exchange arrangements occurred during negotiations.
Government officials, however, maintained that the rescue operation was executed through professional intelligence coordination. Security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, reportedly refuted the allegations and described parts of the report as speculative.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also weighed in, urging the Federal Government to halt any form of ransom payments, arguing that such actions fuel kidnapping and embolden criminal networks.
The opposition party referenced recent crime statistics indicating a surge in kidnapping cases and ransom payments nationwide.
The St. Mary’s Boarding School abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, in Papiri, Niger State.
While some students escaped, others were released weeks later after negotiations led by security authorities.
As political pressure mounts, calls for transparency continue amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism and kidnapping.
