Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, on Monday received the remaining 130 students and staff who were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, bringing an end to a month-long ordeal that had gripped the nation.
The rescued victims were formally handed over to Governor Bago at the State Government House in Minna by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by Major General Adamu Laka. According to a report by Channels Television, the handover ceremony marked the conclusion of intensive rescue efforts that began following the November 21 attack on the boarding school.
Major General Laka, speaking on behalf of the NSA, revealed that security agencies had worked round the clock since the abduction to ensure the safe rescue and return of the students and staff. He emphasised the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and safety of Nigerian children, stating that security agencies would continue implementing measures to safeguard lives and property nationwide.
Governor Bago, visibly emotional during the reception, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for their swift intervention and decisive actions that led to the successful rescue operation. The governor’s reaction underscored the anxiety and concern that had enveloped families and the state government throughout the captivity period.
The Federal Government had confirmed the release on Sunday through a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. “The rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, marks a fitting end to the year,” Idris stated, highlighting the significance of the rescue operation as 2025 draws to a close.
The abduction had occurred in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when heavily armed gunmen, arriving on motorcycles, stormed the school. The attackers moved systematically from one dormitory to another, rounding up pupils, teachers, and other staff members before leading them into nearby forests. According to the Christian Association of Nigeria, whilst 50 children managed to escape during the raid, more than 300 individuals were initially taken captive.
In response to the brazen attack, President Tinubu deployed ground troops and aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states to track the kidnappers. The Federal Government also imposed a security cordon around border communities in the affected areas. The President cancelled an official trip to personally oversee rescue efforts, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
Authorities ordered the temporary closure of schools across Niger State and some federal institutions in high-risk areas as a precautionary measure. These actions reflected the gravity of the security situation and the government’s determination to prevent similar incidents.
On December 7, the Federal Government announced a breakthrough when 100 of the abducted pupils were released and received by Governor Bago at the Government House in Minna. This initial release provided hope to anxious families and indicated progress in negotiations and rescue operations. The release of the remaining 130 victims on Monday represents the culmination of weeks of coordinated efforts by multiple security agencies.
The successful rescue operation highlights both the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector and the government’s capacity to respond to such crises when resources are mobilised effectively. However, the incident has raised serious questions about the vulnerability of schools in remote areas and the need for enhanced security measures to protect educational institutions.
The handover ceremony on Monday brings relief to families who have endured over a month of uncertainty and fear.