.As Tinubu tasks security agencies on safe return of others
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has handed over 100 pupils of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger, who were abducted on Nov. 21, to the state government.
The handover was performed in Minna on Monday by Wing Cdr. Abdullahi Dare, on behalf of the NSA.
Dare said the successful rescue followed weeks of intense, coordinated operations involving the Office of the NSA, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He said the State Security Service played a “critical and physical role” in the operations that led to the safe return of the pupils, adding that the achievement reflected the commitment of the Federal government to secure all communities.
According to him, the office of the NSA has begun immediate short-term protective measures in high-risk areas, while working with state governments, traditional and religious institutions to develop long-term security frameworks.
He said the government would continue to pursue policies that restore confidence in the education sector, reopen schools safely and uphold the right of every Nigerian child to learn in a secure environment.
Responding, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, described the event as fundamental and important in the defining history of the state.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary support that led to the rescue of the children.
Bago also thanked the NSA, security agencies, development partners and citizens who prayed throughout the period of the abduction.
He expressed optimism that the remaining pupils still in captivity would be rescued soon.
The governor reassured parents and guardians that the rescued children would be reunited with their families after thorough medical checks.
He said the government was working with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to ensure the safe return of the pupils to their homes.
One of the pupils, Florence Michael, narrated that the abductors kept them in a bush near a river.
She said the captors gave them a trampoline to lie on and warned them against making any noise.
“They told us if we make noise, they would beat us and we would not go back home,” she said.
Florence appealed to the government to continue to protect children and ensure their safety in schools.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.
While expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.
This is contained in a statement issued Monday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.
“I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.
“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.
“From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma,” President Tinubu said.
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