President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to ensure the immediate rescue of all abducted persons across the country, insisting that every victim must be accounted for and returned home safely.
The President gave the directive while rejoicing over the safe return of 100 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. He commended the nation’s security agencies for their steadfastness since the November 21 incident, which saw over 200 students and teachers taken hostage by armed bandits.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said: “I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their tireless work in ensuring the return of these children. However, our joy can only be complete when every abducted student and Nigerian is rescued and reunited with their families.”
The President emphasized that both the Federal and Niger State governments are working closely to bring back the remaining abductees, directing security forces to intensify search-and-rescue operations. He also assured that new measures are being implemented to strengthen security around schools nationwide to prevent future attacks. “Our children must no longer be sitting targets for heartless terrorists,” Tinubu declared.
At the Government House in Minna, emotions ran high as the rescued pupils were reunited with their parents and guardians. Many wept tears of joy, while others expressed sorrow that their children were still missing. Governor Bago, visibly moved, thanked the President and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their leadership and coordination during the rescue operation.
According to Abdullahi Idi Hong, who represented the NSA during the handover, the successful operation was the outcome of two weeks of intensive efforts involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the armed forces, and other security agencies. “The DSS played a critical role in ensuring the success of this mission,” he said, stressing that education must never again be a casualty of violence.
Governor Bago urged parents not to lose hope, assuring that ongoing operations would secure the remaining abducted students. He revealed that medical examinations had been conducted on the rescued children and commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and humanitarian agencies for their support.
One of the parents, Elizabeth Samuel, whose daughter was among those rescued, expressed profound gratitude to the government and security forces. “I had lost all hope, but I thank God and the government for their intervention. I pray others will also be rescued,” she said. Another parent, Marcus Philip Abuka, whose daughter remains in captivity, voiced his pain but expressed faith in the government’s continued efforts to bring her home.
Governor Bago called for sustained prayers and public support, reaffirming that the rescue mission would continue until every child is safely reunited with their family.
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2025-12-05