Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has welcomed the remaining rescued students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. The rescued victims were formally handed over to the governor on Monday by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, through Major General Adamu Laka.
During the handover, Laka said security agencies had worked tirelessly since the kidnapping to ensure the safe return of students and staff. He added that the federal government remains committed to policies that protect the rights and safety of all Nigerian children.
“Security agencies will continue to implement measures to safeguard lives and property across the country,” Laka said.
Governor Bago, who emotionally received the victims, expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the NSA for their quick intervention. He described his actions as decisive and crucial to the success of the rescue.
The federal government confirmed the release of the students and staff on Sunday. Minister of Information and National Guidance Mohammed Idris said the latest statement concluded rescue efforts following the Nov. 21 attack on the boarding school.
“The rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, marks a fitting end to the year,” Idris said.
More than 300 students, teachers, and staff members were kidnapped on November 21, 2025. Gunmen attacked the school early in the morning, arriving on motorcycles and moving from one dormitory to another before taking the captives to nearby forests.
Days later, the Christian Association of Nigeria revealed that 50 children had escaped during the raid, while dozens more were taken away.
After the kidnapping, the federal government imposed a security cordon around the border communities. President Tinubu deployed ground troops and aerial surveillance in parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states to track down the kidnappers.
He also canceled an official trip to oversee rescue efforts. Authorities ordered the temporary closure of schools across Niger State and some federal institutions in high-risk areas.
On December 7, the Federal Government announced the release of 100 of the kidnapped students, who were received by Governor Bago at Government House in Minna.
The safe return of all victims brings relief to parents, teachers, and the entire community, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts.
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