AFP has alleged that the Tinubu administration paid up to N10 billion and released Boko Haram commanders to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren, a claim yet to receive official confirmation.
Agence France-Presse on Monday reported that the administration of President Bola Tinubu paid about N10 billion and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to secure the freedom of pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State. More than 300 pupils and staff were kidnapped last November, with 230 reportedly covered in the alleged deal.
Citing two sources, AFP stated that “the total ransom at N40 million per head — around $7 million in total”, while “another put the figure lower at N2 billion overall”. The report said the payment contravenes Nigeria’s law banning ransom payments. The presidency did not immediately comment, while the National Security Adviser’s office maintained that hostages were secured without ransom.