By Our Reporter
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Monday received one hundred schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwarra Local Government Area. The children, who arrived at the Government House at 5:10 p.m., were formally handed over to the governor by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Assistant Director of Operations, Wing Commander A. A. Abdullahi, said the successful rescue followed two weeks of intelligence-led, coordinated security operations involving the Office of the NSA, the State Security Service, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies.
“We have successfully rescued one hundred children, and we will record more success,” Abdullahi said. He commended the crucial role played by the DSS, noting that the agency was central to the outcome of the joint mission.
He explained that immediate short-term protective measures were being implemented in high-risk areas, while longer-term security solutions were being developed in consultation with the state government and traditional and religious leaders.
“For education, we will continue to pursue policies and operations that can restore confidence to open schools safely and ensure the safety of every Nigerian child,” he added.
Governor Bago, expressing joy at the children’s return, assured that the remaining 165 abducted students and their teachers would be rescued and reunited with their families soon.