The Federal Government has dismissed reports alleging that it paid a large ransom and released terrorist commanders to secure the freedom of pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as false and unfounded, insisting they undermine the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security agencies.

According to him, no ransom was paid and no militant leaders were released as part of the rescue operation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed,” the minister stated, rejecting what he called a narrative built on anonymous and unverifiable sources.

The government’s response followed a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which cited unnamed intelligence sources claiming that a substantial ransom—reportedly running into billions of naira—was delivered to insurgents. The report also alleged that the deal included the release of two militant commanders and that the payment was transported by helicopter to a Boko Haram leader in Gwoza, Borno State.

Idris said the claims were speculative and riddled with inconsistencies. He noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the leadership of the National Assembly had all publicly refuted the allegations.

He further described the helicopter delivery narrative as fictional, adding that the DSS had dismissed it as fake and baseless.

The minister maintained that the pupils were rescued through coordinated intelligence efforts and strategic security operations carried out without casualties. He urged media organisations to verify sensitive security-related information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation capable of emboldening criminal elements or demoralising security personnel.