FG, NSA Under Fire as AFP Alleges Nigeria Paid ₦2bn Ransom for Papiri School Abductees’ Release -

An investigation by Agence France-Presse has alleged that the Federal Government secretly paid a multimillion-dollar ransom to secure the release of pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School, Papiri, Niger State, raising fresh concerns over transparency in the handling of the crisis.

Daily Star Nigeria, citing the AFP investigation and intelligence sources, reports that the abduction occurred on November 21 when nearly 300 pupils and staff were taken from the Catholic school. At least 50 of the victims later escaped, according to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.

Federal authorities had repeatedly denied paying any ransom, with the Department of State Services (DSS) maintaining that government agents do not negotiate with or make payments to kidnappers.

However, AFP quoted four intelligence sources familiar with the negotiations as claiming that a “huge” payment was made to secure the hostages’ release. One source estimated the amount at about ₦40 million per person, totalling roughly $7 million, while another placed the figure at approximately ₦2 billion.

The report further alleged that two Boko Haram commanders were released as part of the arrangement, a development that would contradict Nigerian laws prohibiting ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorist groups.

According to AFP, the funds were transported by helicopter to Gwoza in Borno State, a known insurgent stronghold near the Cameroon border. Three sources said the money was handed over to a commander identified as Ali Ngulde, who reportedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt before the first batch of about 100 children was freed due to limited communication access in the area.

AFP also reported that although Boko Haram’s insurgency has largely remained concentrated in the Northeast since 2009, a faction led by a commander known as Sadiku carried out the Niger State abduction. Sadiku has previously been linked to major attacks, including the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

Negotiations for the release of the abductees were reportedly coordinated by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, while officials continued to publicly insist that no ransom was paid.

As of press time, the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to the specific allegations contained in the AFP investigation, even as the claims raise fresh questions over accountability and the government’s stated policy on ransom payments.