Minna (Nigeria): Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, on Monday, received 130 rescued pupils and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The victims, abducted on Nov. 21 by bandits, were formally handed over to the Niger government after they were rescued by security agencies in Minna.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba-Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), said the rescue operation was carried out under the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the successful operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies.
“It is with profound humanity and a deep sense of responsibility that I, on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, formally announce the rescue and handover of the remaining 130 victims.
“The victims, comprising teachers, pupils, and students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, were abducted on Nov. 21,” he said.
Garba-Laka said sustained efforts by the DSS and the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, with the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, played a critical role in ensuring the success of the operation.
He reaffirmed the NSA office’s commitment to protecting lives and property nationwide.
According to Garba-Laka, the government is implementing short-term protective measures in high-risk areas while working with state governments, traditional and religious leaders to develop lasting community-based security solutions.
He said education must not be a casualty of violence, noting that policies and operations were being developed to restore confidence, reopen schools safely, and guarantee every Nigerian child the right to learn in a secure environment.
Responding, Umaru-Bago thanked God for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as painful and heartbreaking.
“Looking at these children and the torment they went through is unbearable, and we are grateful to God, Mr President, the NSA, and all the security agencies for their roles in this successful rescue,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the rescued victims would be reunited with their families, enabling them to celebrate the Christmas season together.