U.S. Treasury Official Arrives in Nigeria as Ransom Allegations Surface
A senior official from the United States Department of the Treasury has arrived in Abuja for high-level talks aimed at strengthening cooperation on countering terrorist financing, even as allegations emerge that the Federal Government paid a large ransom to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren.
Jonathan Burke, Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, is leading discussions on disrupting illicit financial flows linked to extremist groups. His visit underscores Washington’s commitment to financial intelligence collaboration with Nigeria in tackling terrorism financing networks.
However, intelligence sources have reignited controversy by claiming that during negotiations for the November 21 abduction of pupils and staff from a boarding school in Niger State, authorities allegedly paid millions of dollars to members of Boko Haram.
The sources alleged that the money was delivered by helicopter to the insurgents’ stronghold in Gwoza, Borno State, near the border with Cameroon. Reports claim the payment facilitated the release of the first batch of 100 children, with two commanders of the militant group allegedly freed as part of the arrangement. One commander was identified as Ali Ngulde, who reportedly crossed into Cameroon due to poor communication coverage in the area before confirming receipt of the ransom. Nigeria’s laws prohibit ransom payments to kidnappers, and government officials have previously denied authorizing such transactions. Authorities have not issued a formal response to the latest allegations.
The U.S. delegation’s visit highlights growing international interest in strengthening financial oversight to curb terrorist networks. Analysts say disrupting funding channels remains crucial in reducing the operational capacity of extremist groups in West Africa.
Neither Nigerian officials nor U.S. representatives have confirmed or denied the claims surrounding the ransom payment. Discussions between the two nations are expected to continue as both sides seek deeper cooperation on security and financial transparency.
