The Federal Government has responded to a media report attributed to international wire agencies alleging that Nigeria paid a “huge” ransom and released militant commanders to secure the freedom of schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, the government described the claims as entirely false and unfounded, saying they undermine the professionalism of the country’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily.

“While we respect the freedom of the press, we firmly reject a narrative built on shadowy, unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws,” the statement said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.

“The allegations rely entirely on anonymous ‘intelligence sources’ and individuals ‘familiar with the talks,’ in contrast to the clear and on-the-record denials issued by constituted authorities.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the leadership of the National Assembly have all publicly refuted claims of ransom payment.

“The report itself reveals contradictions that expose its speculative character, presenting sharply conflicting accounts regarding the alleged ransom.

“Such inconsistency underscores a lack of direct knowledge and undermines the credibility of the claims. The assertion that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents, with cross-border confirmation of receipt, is fiction. The DSS has formally dismissed this claim as fake and laughable.

“Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise. The successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, was the result of professional intelligence and operational precision.

“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to security and urges the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports that risk emboldening criminals or undermining troop morale.”