The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, says the pupils and staff kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, are in stable condition and will soon regain their freedom.
Ribadu gave the assurance during a solidarity visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Bishop Bulus Yohanna.
Armed men had stormed the school on November 21, whisking away 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers. Days after the abduction, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State announced that 50 of the abducted students had escaped from captivity.
During the visit, the NSA conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s concern, stressing that the government takes full responsibility for the safety of every Nigerian.
According to a statement by the diocese, Ribadu said the abducted children “are doing fine and will be back soon,” adding that the President halted his scheduled trip to focus on the situation.
Ribadu vowed that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate bandit attacks on communities and schools, insisting that security agencies are intensifying operations to end the menace.
He said Nigeria is also receiving support from international partners, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom and others, all working together to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Earlier, Bishop Yohanna expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the prompt intervention.
He also presented copies of the incident report to the NSA before both men proceeded to a closed-door meeting that lasted about 30 minutes.