By Our Reporter
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Federal Government described as false and baseless allegations that the Nigerian Government paid a ransom to militant commanders, to secure the freedom of the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris in a statement said the allegations constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily.
The Minister said no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed as 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.
He said the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the leadership of the National Assembly have all publicly refuted claims of ransom payment.
