Intelligence sources have reportedly accused the Nigerian government of paying Boko Haram an "enormous" ransom to secure the release of students and school staff kidnapped in November, according to AFP sources cited by Swedish media. The kidnapping involved nearly 300 students and staff from a Catholic school, with at least 50 people reportedly managing to escape during the incident.
Conflicting reports indicate the ransom amount varied between sources, with one source claiming the payment totaled over 63 million Swedish kronor (approximately $6 million), while another source reported over 13 million kronor (approximately $1.2 million). Such payments would violate Nigerian laws that prohibit payments to kidnappers.
The Nigerian government has denied paying any ransom to the group responsible for the mass abduction. Among those released were reportedly two leaders from Boko Haram, marking a significant development as the group had not previously been linked to this kidnapping. According to AFP sources, one of Boko Haram's leaders is allegedly behind the abduction.