President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 100 students abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State. He also ordered security agencies to secure the immediate release of the remaining 115 pupils and their teachers still in captivity.
Tinubu praised Governor Umar Bago and commended security agencies for their sustained efforts. He restated his firm directive that every abducted Nigerian must return home safely. He stressed that the government must account for all victims without delay.
The President confirmed that the Federal Government is working with Niger State to reunite the freed children with their families. He also pledged stronger nationwide security measures to protect learning environments. According to him, schoolchildren must never again become targets for violent groups.
The Papiri attack occurred on November 21 when armed men stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School at dawn. They abducted over 200 children and staff during the raid. The recent rescue brings the total number of freed victims to 100, with 115 still held.
Nigeria has battled repeated mass school abductions since the 2014 Chibok tragedy. Niger State has suffered several incidents, including the 2021 Kagara school abduction. Recent weeks also saw coordinated attacks on schools and worship centres in Kebbi and Kwara states.
Tinubu declared a national security emergency on November 26 to counter these threats. He ordered intensified operations to protect schools, farms and worship centres. The Presidency said these efforts contributed to Monday’s successful rescue. Tinubu affirmed that security operations will continue until all Papiri hostages regain freedom.
