A police officer in Nigeria captures a photo of a school signboard, highlighting concerns over security and Boko Haram activities in the region.
Nigeria’s government has forcefully denied reports that it paid a “huge” ransom to Boko Haram for the release of more than 200 pupils and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November. Information Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed the claims as “false and baseless,” rejecting allegations that cash was airlifted to militants, or that commanders were freed as part of a deal. Officials insist the students were rescued through intelligence-led operations. The controversy unfolds amid heightened international scrutiny, including a US congressional report criticizing Nigeria’s security record and religious freedom protections, adding diplomatic pressure to an already tense security landscape.
BBC