Tinubu Government Paid N10bn Ransom, Freed Boko Haram Commanders for St. Mary’s Pupils — AFP Report
The administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly paid a ransom running into billions of naira and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to secure the freedom of pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
AFP reported that more than 300 pupils and staff were abducted in November when gunmen stormed the Catholic institution. The report, published on Monday, alleged that the Federal Government authorised the payment of what was described as a “huge” ransom — amounting to millions of dollars — to secure the release of up to 230 children and staff kidnapped by Islamic extremists.
Details obtained by AFP indicated that beyond the multimillion-dollar ransom allegedly paid by the Tinubu administration, two Boko Haram commanders were freed as part of the arrangement — a move that appears to contradict Nigeria’s anti-ransom payment law prohibiting negotiations with kidnappers.
Citing two sources familiar with the negotiations, AFP stated that “the total ransom at N40 million per head — around $7 million in total”, while “another put the figure lower at N2 billion overall”.
The reported $7 million ransom allegedly covered the release of 230 pupils and an undisclosed number of teaching staff, though official figures vary. At an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar, the total sum translates to approximately N9.8 billion.
When contacted for comment, the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, did not immediately respond to media inquiries.
However, AFP reported that the office of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, maintained that he had on several occasions facilitated the rescue of hostages without the payment of ransom to bandits.
On December 21, 2025, the Federal Government announced the release of 130 pupils and staff members of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, who were abducted on November 20.
Earlier, 50 pupils reportedly escaped captivity between November 21 and 22.
Subsequently, on December 7, authorities disclosed that 100 of the kidnapped schoolchildren had regained their freedom.
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Since President Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in kidnappings and violent attacks across several states.
Before the abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School, 25 female students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State were similarly kidnapped by armed bandits, underscoring the persistent security crisis confronting the country.
