How Tinubu’s Government Paid N10bn, Freed Terror Commanders to Free 230 Pupils

The government of President Bola Tinubu allegedly paid a ransom of approximately N10 billion and released two top Boko Haram commanders to secure the release of over 230 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State last November, according to an AFP report citing intelligence sources.

The money was reportedly flown by helicopter to the group’s Gwoza stronghold in Borno and delivered to commander Ali Ngulde, who crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt before the first batch of children was freed. Sources gave varying figures—one estimated N40 million per head (about $7 million total), another put the figure at N2 billion overall.

The government has denied paying any ransom, with the Department of State Services stating: “Government agents don’t pay ransoms.” Nigeria’s law prescribes up to 15 years imprisonment for ransom payments.

KEY POINTS

The alleged payment contradicts Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Act criminalising ransom to kidnappers.
It could strain relations with the US, which has designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.
Victims’ families secured release, while government faces accusations of funding terrorism.
This signals the complex reality of negotiating with terrorist groups despite legal prohibitions.
The timing, with a US Treasury official in Abuja for counter-terror financing talks, is awkward.

Government denies paying N10 billion ransom or freeing commanders, despite multiple intelligence sources confirming the helicopter delivery to Boko Haram’s Gwoza stronghold.

Sources: Peoples Gazette, AFP, The Guardian