Nigeria denies report it paid 'huge' ransom to free pupils in mass abduction

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete February 24, 2026 at 07:20 PM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

The Nigerian government denies a media report by AFP that it paid a ransom to Boko Haram for the release of over 200 students and staff abducted from St Mary's School in November. Information Minister Mohammed Idris refuted the claim, calling it false and a disservice to security forces. The AFP report, citing intelligence sources, alleged a substantial ransom and the release of Boko Haram commanders. Separately, police chief Kayode Egbetokun resigned for family reasons and was replaced by Tunji Disu as acting chief, amid rising security challenges including kidnapping for ransom across Nigeria. Some analysts believe the St Mary's School kidnapping was led by a Boko Haram commander. The students and staff were released before Christmas.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Niger 30% Papiri 30% Bayo Onanuga 40% Tunji Disu 40% Bola Tinubu 50% AFP ×350% Kayode Egbetokun ×260% St Mary's School ×370% Mohammed Idris ×270% Nigeria ×480% Boko Haram ×690%

Keywords

nigeria 100% ransom 90% boko haram 90% mass abduction 80% kidnapping 70% st mary's school 70% islamist militants 60% security forces 60% police chief 40%