The Niger State Government has formally received 100 students abducted from St. Mary Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, following their successful rescue by security forces.
The students were handed over to Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna by Wing Commander Abdullahi, who represented the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The NSA disclosed that the rescue was the result of intense and coordinated operations involving the Office of the NSA, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces, and other security agencies over the past two weeks.
Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to safety, the NSA stated that immediate short-term protective measures are being implemented in high-risk areas.
He emphasized that his office is concurrently working with state governments, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to develop lasting community-based security solutions.
He further pledged to pursue policies that restore confidence and reopen schools safely, ensuring that every Nigerian child has the right to learn without fear.
Receiving the students, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSA, and all security stakeholders for their role in the operation.
However, he acknowledged that the mission is not yet fully complete, assuring parents that the state government will sustain its collaboration with the federal government and relevant authorities to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining children still in captivity.
The Governor confirmed that the rescued students would undergo comprehensive medical examinations to ascertain their health status before being reunited with their families.
