The arrival of a senior United States Treasury official in Nigeria to strengthen cooperation against terrorist financing has coincided with fresh allegations that the Federal Government paid millions of dollars in ransom to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren.
Jonathan Burke, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, is in Abuja for high-level talks aimed at disrupting illicit financial flows linked to extremist groups.
His visit comes amid intelligence claims that authorities paid a substantial ransom during negotiations over the November 21, 2025 abduction of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State.
Alleged ransom payment
Intelligence sources told AFP that the government handed over a “huge” ransom running into millions of dollars to insurgents linked to Boko Haram.
Two commanders were also reportedly released as part of the arrangement.
According to three sources, the money was transported by helicopter to the militants’ stronghold in Gwoza near the Cameroon border and delivered to a commander identified as Ali Ngulde.
Due to poor communications in the remote area, he allegedly crossed into Cameroon to confirm receipt before an initial group of 100 children was released.
While one source estimated the ransom at roughly ₦40 million per captive about $7 million another put the total closer to ₦2 billion.
Government denial
Government officials have denied paying any ransom for the release of nearly 300 pupils and staff abducted from the Papiri school. At least 50 victims reportedly escaped.
The Department of State Services (DSS) insisted that government agents do not pay ransoms but acknowledged that authorities cannot prevent families from paying to secure the release of relatives.
Negotiations leading to the victims’ release after two weeks were reportedly led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who did not respond to requests for comment.
Insurgency links and security concerns
Although Boko Haram had not initially claimed responsibility, sources alleged that a feared commander known as Sadiku masterminded the attack.
Conflict researcher Vincent Foucher said the claim aligns with the commander’s past operations.
Nigeria criminalised ransom payments in 2022, with offenders facing up to 15 years in prison.
Despite the law, kidnapping for ransom remains widespread.
According to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), 828 abductions were recorded in the past year, many involving multiple victims.
U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation
Burke’s visit is part of broader U.S.–Nigeria engagement to curb terror financing and strengthen financial safeguards against extremist funding networks.
He is expected to meet government officials and private sector stakeholders during his two-day visit.
The trip follows a series of high-level exchanges between both countries focused on counterterrorism cooperation and efforts to address violence and extremist activity.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the alleged ransom payment.
