Governor Bago Receives Remaining Rescued Students and Staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has received the remaining 130 students and staff members rescued from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state.
The governor welcomed the freed victims at the Government House in Minna on Tuesday, describing their release as a major relief, especially given the young age of many of the abducted students.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, security chiefs, and various security agencies for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the safe return of the victims. The governor also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community members, and concerned citizens who played roles in facilitating the rescue.
Governor Bago stated that the rescued students and staff would undergo medical assessments before being reunited with their families.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre, said the successful operation followed a presidential directive that resulted in sustained and coordinated security actions. He noted that the operation involved collaboration among the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force, other security agencies, and international partners.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the National Security Adviser to working closely with state governments and stakeholders to strengthen community-based security initiatives and protect children’s right to education.
The abduction occurred on November 21, when armed attackers invaded the school in the early hours of the morning, abducting more than 300 students, teachers, and staff members. The attackers reportedly arrived in large numbers and shot the school’s gatekeeper, who sustained serious injuries.
The incident triggered widespread public concern across the country. On December 7, the Federal Government announced the release of 100 of the abducted victims, with the remaining 130 now safely recovered.