Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has received the remaining 130 students and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of the state.
The governor welcomed the rescued victims at the Government House in Minna on Tuesday, describing their release as a major relief, particularly given the young age of many of the children.
Bago expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the service chiefs, and security agencies for their roles in securing the freedom of the abducted students and staff. He also commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and concerned citizens whose efforts contributed to the successful rescue.
According to the governor, the victims will undergo medical examinations before being reunited with their families.
Representing the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major-General Adamu Laka, said the rescue followed a directive from the President and was achieved through coordinated operations involving the NSA, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and international partners.
He reaffirmed the NSA’s commitment to working with state governments and stakeholders to strengthen community-based security measures and protect children’s right to education.
Gunmen had attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in the early hours of November 21, abducting more than 300 students, teachers, and staff. The attackers reportedly arrived on over 60 motorcycles and a van, shooting the school’s gatekeeper and leaving him seriously injured.
The abduction triggered nationwide outrage. On December 7, the Federal Government announced the release of 100 of the abducted children, with the latest rescue accounting for the remaining victims.
