By Kingston Magare 22.12.2025
Parents and family members of the remaining kidnapped 130 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have been reunited with their wards after the victims were released from their ordeal on Sunday.
They were part of the 315 students and teachers kidnapped by gunmen in November. Out that number 50 kids escaped, while a 100 were released by their captors on December 7, following efforts by the Federal government.
On Monday National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu handed the kids and their teachers to Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago at a brief ceremony at the Government House, Minna,
“The rescue of the remaining kidnapped students and teachers followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu and coordinated by Office of the NSA. This landmark achievement was achieved through the help of the Nigerian Police, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army and the DSS,” said Maj General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator Center for Counter Terrorism, Abuja, who represented the NSA.
“The Federal Government will implement short term measures in high-risk areas by involving community leaders to provide safety for all.
“We will also reopen all schools that have been closed due to insecurity to ensure our children continue with their education.
“On behalf of the National Security Adviser, I hand over the remaining 130 students and teachers at St Mary’s Catholic School to you,” the NSA’s representative said.