The administration of President Bola Tinubu allegedly paid about N10 billion in ransom and released two top Boko Haram commanders to secure the freedom of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, according to a report by AFP citing sources familiar with the matter.
More than 300 pupils and staff were abducted in November when armed men stormed the Catholic school.
The AFP report, published on Monday, claimed that the Nigerian government paid a “huge” ransom amounting to millions of dollars to free up to 230 children and staff kidnapped by Islamic extremists.
According to the report, aside from the ransom payment, two Boko Haram commanders were also released as part of the deal—an action said to contradict Nigeria’s law prohibiting ransom payments to kidnappers.
Citing two sources, AFP disclosed that one source put the total ransom at N40 million per head, amounting to around $7 million in total, while another source estimated the figure at N2 billion overall. At an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar, the $7 million would translate to approximately N9.8 billion.
The reported $7 million allegedly covered the release of about 230 schoolchildren and an unspecified number of teaching staff, though official figures vary.
Efforts to get a reaction from the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, were unsuccessful as he did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
However, the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, reportedly maintained that he had on several occasions secured the release of hostages without paying ransom to bandits.
On December 21, 2025, the Federal Government announced the release of 130 schoolchildren and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School who were kidnapped on November 20. Earlier, 50 pupils reportedly escaped between November 21 and 22.
Subsequently, on December 7, authorities disclosed that 100 of the abducted pupils had regained freedom.
The incident adds to growing security concerns across the country. Since President Tinubu assumed office, hundreds of abductions and killings have been recorded.
Before the St. Mary’s abduction, 25 female students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State were also reportedly kidnapped by bandits.