Summary
The Nigerian government denied reports that it paid a large ransom to Boko Haram to release over 200 pupils and staff abducted from a Catholic school in November. The Information Minister stated that claims about ransom payments were false and unsupported by evidence. All abducted individuals were freed by Christmas, and no Boko Haram commanders were released as part of the deal.
Key Facts
- Over 200 pupils and staff were kidnapped from St Mary's School by gunmen in November.
- Nigeria's government denied paying a ransom to Boko Haram for their release.
- Information Minister Mohammed Idris called the report of ransom payment false.
- The students and staff were released without any Boko Haram commanders being freed.
- Kidnapping for ransom is a problem in Nigeria, involving various groups including Islamist militants.
- A report alleged that a ransom of up to 2 billion naira ($1.5 million) was paid, but the government strongly refuted this.
- The Information Minister said the rescue was achieved through professional intelligence work.
- Boko Haram is known for high-profile kidnappings, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls incident.
