Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has received the 100 Abducted pupils of the St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, whose release was secured by the Federal Government.
Conveyed in separate buses, the children arrived at the Niger State Government House at about 5:20 pm and were received by Governor Bago and other government officials.
The students were formally handed over to the state government today, Monday 8 of December 2025, by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was represented at the event by Wing Commander Abdullahi Dare.
While handing over the children, Hong disclosed that security agencies had worked tirelessly since the abduction to ensure the safe rescue and return of the students.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of every Nigerian child, stressing that security agencies remain resolute in implementing measures to safeguard lives and property across the country.
Receiving the rescued students, the governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and Ribadu for their swift and coordinated response that led to the successful recovery of the children.
Bago assured parents and the general public that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining students still in captivity, expressing optimism that they would be reunited with their families in due course.
He called for sustained prayers to ensure their safe return and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the state.
According to the governor, the moment marks a significant milestone in the history of Niger State, noting that he was deeply moved by the tender ages and number of the rescued children.