Agence France-Presse (AFP) has reported that it can confirm that in November, the Nigerian Government paid Boko Haram ₦2 billion for the release of 230 abducted St. Mary’s Catholic School girls.
According to the report, the money was delivered in cash via helicopter to Ali Ngulde, a Boko Haram commander in Gwoza, Borno State, described as a Boko Haram-controlled territory. AFP cited four sources familiar with the transaction.
The terrorists reportedly demanded ₦40 million per girl, amounting to approximately $7 million in total.
AFP further reported that Ali Ngulde traveled to Cameroon to communicate confirmation of receipt of the money to the Nigerian Government.
Following the payment, 100 girls were released. The remaining girls were reportedly freed after negotiations that included the release of some captured Boko Haram fighters.
The Nigerian Government initially denied paying ransom to the terrorists and did not provide details of operations in Papriri, Niger State, despite public pressure.
AFP stated that it reached out to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for reaction, but no response had been received at the time of reporting.
