The Niger State government has formally received the remaining 130 kidnapped schoolchildren and their teachers from St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, following their rescue by the Nigerian government.
Governor Umaru Bago in a statement signed by its Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Monday welcomed the rescued victims at the Government House, Minna, describing the event as a moment of relief for the state.
The governor expressed gratitude to national leaders and security agencies for their roles in the rescue.
He said, “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and all the security agencies for playing critical roles in ensuring the remaining Papiri schoolchildren regain their freedom.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of local figures, adding that “We also commend traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, as well as all concerned citizens who made various efforts that led to the release of all the abducted victims of St. Mary Catholic schools.”
Governor Bago confirmed that the rescued children and teachers would undergo medical examinations before being reunited with their families.
Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre and representative of the NSA, stated that the rescue followed the directive of the President and involved coordinated efforts by multiple security agencies.
He said the rescue was a result of the directive of the President, which led to intense and coordinated operations by the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police, other security agencies, and international partners.
He further highlighted the commitment to safeguarding children’s education, while reaffirming the commitment of the Office of the NSA to continue collaborating with state governments and other relevant stakeholders to develop measures that would bring lasting community-based security solutions.
