An AFP investigation has revealed that the Nigerian government paid a “huge” ransom worth millions of dollars to secure the release of up to 230 children and staff abducted by Boko Haram militants in November 2025.
Details of the Deal
According to intelligence sources, the ransom was delivered by helicopter to Boko Haram’s Gwoza stronghold in northeastern Borno State, near the Cameroon border. In addition to the cash, two Boko Haram commanders were reportedly freed as part of the negotiations.
The deal contradicts Nigeria’s own law banning payments to kidnappers. Government officials, however, continue to deny that any ransom was paid, insisting that the release was achieved without financial settlement.
The Abduction
On November 21, 2025, close to 300 pupils and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger State. At least 50 managed to escape shortly after the incident.
Sources told AFP that the abduction was orchestrated by Sadiku, one of Boko Haram’s most feared commanders. Sadiku has previously been linked to high-profile kidnappings, including the 2022 train hijacking from Abuja that netted hefty ransoms for government officials and wealthy passengers.
Conflicting Accounts
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led the negotiations, while the State Security Service flatly denied paying any ransom, stating: “Government agents don’t pay ransoms.”
However, four intelligence sources familiar with the talks told AFP that payments were made. One source estimated 40 million naira per head around $7 million in total while another put the figure at two billion naira overall.
Due to poor communications in the remote area, Boko Haram commander Ali Ngulde reportedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt of the ransom before releasing the first group of 100 children.
Wider Implications
The revelation is likely to strain relations with international partners, particularly the United States, where President Donald Trump recently ordered air strikes on jihadists in northern Nigeria and deployed military trainers to support Nigerian forces.
Nigeria has long struggled with mass abductions, often involving collaboration between jihadist groups and criminal gangs. The latest incident underscores the challenges authorities face in combating insurgency while balancing public safety and policy commitments.
Conclusion
While the government maintains no ransom was paid, intelligence sources suggest otherwise, raising questions about Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy and its adherence to anti-kidnapping laws. The episode highlights the ongoing complexities of dealing with militant groups entrenched in the country’s northeast and central regions.
