SUNTV Global Channel, February 24, 2026 –
A shocking report by global news agency AFP claims that the administration of President Bola Tinubu secretly paid billions of naira to Boko Haram terrorists to secure the release of nearly 230 kidnapped students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri, Niger State.
The abduction, which occurred on November 21, 2025, initially involved close to 300 victims, sparking national outrage. Reports indicate that at least 50 students managed to escape captivity.
AFP cites four intelligence sources revealing that the Nigerian government allegedly paid a ransom ranging from ₦2 billion to ₦10 billion, with some estimates suggesting roughly ₦40 million per hostage, totaling around $7 million. The funds were reportedly delivered via helicopter to Boko Haram’s enclave in Gwoza, Borno State, near the Cameroon border.
According to the report, the money was handed over to Ali Ngulde, a senior Boko Haram commander. Due to poor communications in the area, Ngulde allegedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt of the funds before the release of the first 100 schoolchildren.
The investigation identifies a notorious Boko Haram operative named Sadiku as the mastermind behind the kidnapping. Sadiku, infamous for hijacking a passenger train from Abuja in 2022 to extract ransoms, reportedly operates a terror cell in Niger State despite Boko Haram’s traditional northeastern stronghold.
AFP also reported that two Boko Haram commanders were freed as part of the negotiation process — a development likely to alarm security analysts and international partners.
The Nigerian government, however, has repeatedly denied paying any ransom. The Department of State Services (DSS) stated, “Government agents don’t pay ransoms.” Yet, multiple intelligence sources told AFP that back-channel talks led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu lasted two weeks before the captives were released.
If confirmed, the alleged payment would breach Nigeria’s 2022 anti-ransom law and could strain diplomatic relations, particularly with the United States. President Donald Trump previously authorized airstrikes on jihadist targets in northern Nigeria and deployed military trainers to support local forces.
Mass kidnappings have become an ongoing crisis in Nigeria, with armed groups exploiting weak security infrastructure to extort millions from families and communities.
As of press time, the Presidency has yet to respond to the AFP report.
