The hierarchy of the Boko Haram Islamist sect received approximately $3.15m to free the seven French hostages released earlier in the month, a confidential Nigerian government report has revealed.
Tanguy Moulin-Fournier — who worked in Cameroon for French utility firm GDF Suez — his wife, brother and four children were kidnapped on 19th February 2013 while holidaying near Waza National Park in north Cameroon, about 10 km from the Nigerian border.
According to foreign news agency, Reuters, which obtained the report, the identity of the payers of the ransom was unknown but the deal was brokered by French and Cameroonian citizens. In addition, Cameroonian authorities freed some members of the sect in its detention.
On their release on 19th May, President of France, Francois Hollande had denied paying any ransom, and Cameroon echoed the same sentiments but Nigerian authorities remained mum.
According to the, report 1.6 billion CFA francs ($3.15m) was paid in the end albeit Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau was bent on receiving twice the amount. However, he agreed to slow down if some Boko Haram members in detention in Cameroon were released.
The report further revealed that Nigerian Military refrained from launching a rescue mission in order not to risk the lives of the captives, especially as a failed attempt last March is believed to be responsible for the killing of a British and an Italian hostage allegedly held by the Ansaru islamist sect.
