**No Ransom Paid for Release of Nigerian School Children** In a recent report making the rounds on social media, some sections of the press alleged that the federal government paid a huge ransom to secure the release of school children abducted from St. Mary's boarding school in Niger State. However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has come out to debunk these allegations, describing them as false and baseless. **Setting the Record Straight** According to the Minister, the report is a disservice to Nigeria's security agencies, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the children. He emphasized that while the government respects the freedom of the press, it will not tolerate a narrative built on unverified sources aimed at undermining the credibility of the government. **No Ransom, No Militant Commanders Released** The Minister categorically stated that no ransom was paid and no militant commanders were freed in exchange for the release of the children. This claim is backed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the leadership of the National Assembly, who have all publicly refuted the claims of ransom payment. **Separating Fact from Fiction** The Minister pointed out that the report relies heavily on anonymous "intelligence sources" and individuals "familiar with the talks," which is a red flag for speculative reporting. He added that the report itself reveals contradictions and inconsistencies that expose its speculative character. **A Message to the Media and the Public** As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of insecurity, the government urges the media to verify facts before publishing reports that risk emboldening criminals or undermining troop morale. The successful rescue of the pupils, without casualty, was the result of professional intelligence and operational precision, and the government remains committed to ensuring the security and well-being of all Nigerians.