NSA hands over 130 freed Niger students, teachers to Bago

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has handed over the remaining 130 students and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger, to Governor Umar Bago. The schoolchildren were freed on Friday between Agwara and Borgu LGAs. Gunmen had abducted 315 people, including 303 pupils and 12 teachers, during a November 21 attack. 50 pupils escaped early, while 100 students were released on December 7. Although security operatives prevented journalists from interacting with the children and staff, the atmosphere at the Government House, Minna, was visibly emotional, with several of the rescued children seen shedding tears as they sat in the hall.

The NSA said all children and staff abducted from the school had been rescued, describing the development as a significant milestone. Ribadu, who was represented by Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, said the operation was carried out following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Ribadu, the rescue was achieved through sustained efforts by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding communities and institutions, noting that immediate protective measures were being implemented in high-risk areas alongside long-term, community-based security strategies involving state governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders.

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