Politis

Nigeria: Millions Paid to Boko Haram for Release of Students

Published February 23, 2026, 14:10
Nigeria: Millions Paid to Boko Haram for Release of Students

The Nigerian government paid millions of dollars in ransom to Boko Haram fighters for the release of approximately 230 students and staff who had been kidnapped from a Catholic school in November. The agreement also included the release of two Boko Haram commanders, despite the country's law prohibiting payments to kidnappers. The money was transported by helicopter to Boko Haram's stronghold, Gwoza, and delivered to Ali Ngulde, a commander of the fighters. The decision to pay the jihadists, who had kidnapped 276 girls from Chibok in 2014, is expected to provoke reactions, especially from the United States. Nigerian government officials deny the ransom payments, however intelligence sources confirm that “huge” sums were paid, with estimates reaching $7 million or 2 billion naira. Boko Haram had not previously been linked to student kidnappings, but one of its most notorious commanders, known as Sadiku, is allegedly behind the kidnapping. Sadiku is also suspected of leading an attack on a train in 2022, where large ransoms were also paid. The students and staff were released after two weeks of negotiations, with the government insisting that no ransom was paid. Boko Haram, which has been waging a bloody insurgency since 2009, is the strongest force in northeastern Nigeria. This case highlights the complex challenges Nigeria faces in combating terrorism and protecting its citizens.

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