The Federal Government has described as untrue publications circulating by in some sections of the media about huge ransom and release of militant commanders to secure the release of abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic School Papiri in Niger State. It says the allegations are completely false and baseless, and constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily.
In a statement released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Government rejected the narrative, which it says is built on shadowy and unnamed sources seeking to undermine the credibility of a sovereign government acting within its laws.
The Minister reiterated that no ransom was paid, and no militant commanders were freed.
Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the leadership of the National Assembly have all publicly refuted claims of ransom payment.
Nigeria, he noted is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise. The successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, is the result of professional intelligence and operational precision. He assured that the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to security and urges the media to verify facts before publishing speculative reports that risk emboldening criminals or undermining troop morale.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
