By Peter Omopo
President Bola Tinubu on Monday welcomed the release of 100 pupils abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State and directed security agencies to secure the freedom of the remaining 115 captives without delay.
Tinubu’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work,” the President said. “My directive remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims.”
He added that the Federal Government is working closely with Niger State authorities to reunite the freed children with their families and to strengthen security around schools nationwide.
“From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists,” Tinubu said.
The attack occurred on November 21 when armed men stormed the St. Mary’s Catholic School compound in Papiri at daybreak, abducting more than 200 pupils and teachers. Monday’s release brings the number of those freed to 100, with 115 still in captivity.
Mass abductions from schools have persisted in Nigeria since Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014, inspiring waves of bandit attacks aimed at ransom payments. Niger State has been one of the hardest hit, including the February 2021 abduction of students and staff in Kagara. Similar coordinated raids have recently taken place in Kebbi and Kwara States, targeting schools and worship centres.
Tinubu noted that his November 26 declaration of a national security emergency—which mandated intensified operations to protect schools, farms and places of worship—helped facilitate Monday’s rescue. He directed service chiefs to further enhance collaboration with state governments until all remaining Papiri hostages are secured.
According to Onanuga, the rescue efforts will continue without let-up.
“The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive,” Tinubu affirmed.
