Ribadu Hands Over Remaining 130 Abducted St Mary’s Students, Teachers to Niger Governor

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has formally handed over the remaining 130 kidnapped students and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, marking the successful conclusion of the rescue operation.

The handover took place at a brief ceremony at the Government House in Minna.

It will be recalled that on December 8, 2025, the Office of the NSA had earlier handed over 100 rescued students to the Niger State Government, following their release from captivity.

Representing the NSA, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja, said the latest rescue was achieved through the coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the operation involved the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The rescue of the remaining kidnapped students and teachers followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu and was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser. This landmark achievement was made possible through the joint efforts of the Nigerian Police, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and the DSS,” Laka said.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country, particularly in high-risk areas.

“The Federal Government will implement short-term security measures in vulnerable communities by working closely with community leaders to ensure the safety of all. We will also ensure the reopening of schools closed due to insecurity so that our children can continue their education,” he added.

Formally presenting the rescued victims, he said, “On behalf of the National Security Adviser, I hereby hand over the remaining 130 students and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School to the Niger State Government.”

In his response, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Office of the NSA, and all security agencies involved for securing the safe release of the abducted students and teachers.

“We thank God for the mercies shown to us. Looking at them, you can see the trauma they have endured, and their number alone is frightening. We are grateful that they will now be reunited with their families,” the governor said.

Governor Bago described the successful rescue of all the abducted victims as historic, noting that it was rare to recover every kidnapped person alive.

“It is unprecedented in this country to get everyone back like this,” he stated.