National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has assured parents and the authorities of St. Mary’s Private Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, that the abducted pupils “are doing fine and will return soon.”
Ribadu delivered the message on Monday during a visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, as well as concerned parents at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.
He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope, saying efforts to rescue the children were progressing, with increased security deployment in the affected areas. Ribadu assured families that the pupils would return safely, stressing, “God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win. They are going to come back. I give you that assurance.”
Calling the situation a difficult moment for the nation, Ribadu noted that the federal government takes full responsibility for protecting citizens. He added that President Tinubu was deeply pained by the incident and had suspended all engagements, including an official trip, to focus on the crisis.
Ribadu urged Nigerians to remain united, insisting that “the common enemy” must not be allowed to divide the country. He emphasized that the government would not relent, saying, “Enough is enough. We are all under attack; let us not allow evil to get into us.”
The NSA was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He praised Bishop Yohanna for his composure under pressure and affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Church and affected families.
Ribadu also mentioned that several countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, had offered support. He pledged strengthened security around the school and surrounding communities, saying, “This incident will change Nigeria for good.”
Bishop Yohanna thanked President Tinubu and the NSA for their visit and shared a detailed report before a closed-door session. The school’s principal, Rev. Sister Felicia Gyang, and a parents’ representative, Luka Iliya, also narrated the attack and the emotional toll on families.
The Abduction
The attack occurred on 21 November 2025, when armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri around 2:00 a.m. Over three hours, they abducted 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers. Security forces and community hunters launched operations in nearby forests. Fifty students escaped within the first day, but 265 individuals, including 253 children and all 12 teachers, remain in captivity.
The Federal Government imposed a 24-hour security cordon and launched aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara States. President Tinubu also cancelled international travel and ordered the shutdown of schools in high-risk areas of Niger State and beyond.
What you should know
NSA Nuhu Ribadu assured families that rescue efforts for the abducted Niger pupils are progressing, with national and international support.
The attack saw 315 people kidnapped, with 265 still held.
President Tinubu intensified security operations and halted engagements, underscoring the gravity of the crisis and the government’s commitment to their safe return.
