The Nigerian government has allegedly paid a multi-million dollar ransom to the Boko Haram terrorist group for the release of nearly 230 schoolchildren and staff abducted in November 2025 from a Catholic school in Niger State. Intelligence sources, quoted by AFP, indicate that the agreement also included the release of two Boko Haram commanders.
This action contravenes Nigerian law, which formally prohibits the payment of ransoms to kidnappers, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Despite this, sources claim that a helicopter transported the money to Gwoza, a Boko Haram stronghold located in Borno State, on the border with Cameroon. The money was reportedly handed over to Ali Ngulde, a commander in the area, who had to travel to Cameroon to confirm receipt of the ransom due to the lack of telephone network in the area.
A Boko Haram commander known as Sadiku is believed to be the mastermind behind this kidnapping. He is also suspected of orchestrating the attack on a train connecting Abuja to Kaduna in 2022, which also resulted in the payment of substantial ransoms. Although Nigerian authorities deny any payment, four intelligence sources confirm that a considerable sum was paid, estimated at around $7 million.
This payment comes amid diplomatic pressure from the United States on Nigeria regarding the persecution of Christians. This decision could therefore further strain bilateral relations. This event highlights the extent of the problem of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, a scourge that generated approximately $1.66 million from July 2024 to June 2025.
The payment of this ransom, even if denied, could encourage other criminal and jihadist groups to resort to kidnapping as a means of financing, thus perpetuating a cycle of violence and extortion.
