BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, FEBRUARY 24, 2026 | 03:05 PM
Fresh details have emerged over the release of pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, with claims that the Federal Government paid billions of naira and freed two Boko Haram commanders to secure their freedom.
More than 300 pupils and staff were kidnapped from the school in November.
Up to 230 children and an unspecified number of staff were later freed in phases announced by the government in December 2025.
According to sources cited in an AFP report published Monday, the total ransom was calculated at N40 million per person, amounting to about $7 million.
At an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar, the figure translates to about N9.8 billion.
Another source quoted in the report estimated the total payment at N2 billion.
The report also alleged that two Boko Haram commanders were released as part of the deal, despite Nigerian law prohibiting ransom payments to kidnappers.
On December 7, 2025, authorities announced the release of 100 abducted pupils.
On December 21, 2025, the government confirmed the release of 130 schoolchildren and staff.
Fifty pupils had earlier escaped between November 21 and 22.
Bayo Onanuga, spokesman to President Tinubu, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to the report.
The office of Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, was quoted as maintaining that he had secured the release of hostages on several occasions without paying ransom.
The abduction added to a series of mass kidnappings recorded since President Tinubu assumed office.
Before the Niger incident, 25 girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State were abducted by bandits.
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