What You Need to Know
An extensive investigation by a local source reveals that Nigerian authorities paid a substantial ransom for the release of 230 children kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State. This incident has drawn significant public outrage amid rising violence from Boko Haram and its affiliates, highlighting the ongoing security crisis in the region.
Africa-Press. An extensive investigation by a local source has revealed that Nigerian authorities paid a substantial ransom for the release of 230 children kidnapped from their Catholic school in Niger State on November 21, 2025.
The kidnapping incident, which targeted St. Mary’s School in the town of Baberi in central Nigeria, has caused widespread shock among the Nigerian public due to its scale and violent nature, especially amid rising attacks by Boko Haram and affiliated armed groups.
This development comes as Nigeria faced significant political and diplomatic pressure from Washington; at the time, President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian authorities of allowing “genocide” against Christians.
According to data from the local source, the ransom paid amounted to several million dollars, despite Nigerian law officially prohibiting any payments for the release of hostages.
The government has denied, as in previous operations, entering into any negotiations or making financial settlements with armed groups. According to information gathered by the agency, a large sum of money was exchanged for the release of about 300 individuals, including students and teachers, who were held by the group.
The release of two prominent Boko Haram leaders was also part of the deal. Estimates suggest that the ransom could reach up to $7 million, while other sources reported a deal worth $1.5 million, indicating a discrepancy likely due to multiple payments or varying sources of information.
The operation is exceptional, as it was revealed that the money was transported directly by helicopter to the hills of Gwoza, one of Boko Haram’s strongholds in northeastern Nigeria.
Security sources disclosed that Ali Nguli, a prominent leader of the group, received the money on the ground. The investigation also highlighted the role of a Boko Haram leader known as Sadiko, who currently resides in Niger State and is believed to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping of St. Mary’s students in an area rife with criminal and armed groups.
Sadiko is credited with carrying out other major operations, including the bloody attack on the train linking Abuja and Kaduna, which resulted in the kidnapping of over 60 individuals, in addition to the horrific attack that occurred in Woro, Kwara State, on February 3, which led to the deaths of over 160 people.
This investigation represents one of the most detailed reports on the trajectory of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, revealing the complexity and entanglement among armed groups and the extent of involvement of certain agencies in legally questionable deals.
Nigeria has faced a persistent challenge with kidnappings, particularly in the northern regions where Boko Haram operates. The group has been responsible for numerous abductions, targeting schools and communities, leading to widespread fear and instability. The government’s response has often been criticized, with accusations of negotiating with terrorists despite legal prohibitions against ransom payments.
