FG to Reopen Schools Shut Over Insecurity as Abducted Niger Pupils Regain Freedom
The Federal Government has announced plans to reopen schools that were shut across the country following terrorist attacks and the mass abduction of pupils and students.
President Bola Tinubu disclosed this on Monday during a reception held at the Niger State Government House in Minna to formally welcome the final group of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of the state.
A total of 315 pupils, students and teachers were kidnapped from the school on November 21, 2025.
Two days after the incident, 50 pupils managed to escape from their captors and returned to their families.
About two weeks later, the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), secured the release of another 100 victims.
The remaining 130 regained their freedom last Sunday, marking the full rescue of all those abducted.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the successful rescue operation was the outcome of coordinated efforts by multiple security agencies.
Ribadu was represented by Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abuja.
According to the NSA, “The rescue of the remaining kidnapped students and teachers followed the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was coordinated by the Office of the NSA.
“This landmark achievement was made possible through the combined efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and the DSS.”
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that ongoing security reforms would be strengthened to address threats, especially in vulnerable communities.
“The Federal Government will implement short-term measures in high-risk areas by involving community leaders to ensure safety for all.
“We will also reopen all schools that have been closed due to insecurity to ensure that our children continue their education.
“On behalf of the National Security Adviser, I hand over the remaining 130 students and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic School to the Niger State Governor,” he said.
In his response, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Office of the NSA and the security agencies for the safe return of all the abducted pupils and teachers.
“We thank God for the mercy shown to us. Looking at them, you can see the torment they have gone through, and their number is also very scary. We are happy that they will be reunited with their families. It is unprecedented to get everyone back like this in the country,” the governor said.
