Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, on Monday, received 130 rescued pupils and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The victims, abducted on November 21 by bandits, were formally handed over to the Niger government after they were rescued by security agencies in Minna.

Adamu Garba-Laka, national coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), said the rescue operation was carried out under the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the successful operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

“It is with profound humanity and a deep sense of responsibility that I, on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, formally announce the rescue and handover of the remaining 130 victims.

“The victims, comprising teachers, pupils and students of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, were abducted on November 21,” he said.

Mr Garba-Laka said sustained efforts by the SSS and the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, with the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, played a critical role in ensuring the success of the operation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the office of the NSA to the protection of lives and property across the country.

According to Mr Garba-Laka, the government is implementing short-term protective measures in high-risk areas while working with state governments, traditional and religious leaders to develop lasting community-based security solutions.

He said education must not be a casualty of violence, noting that policies and operations were being developed to restore confidence, reopen schools safely and guarantee every Nigerian child the right to learn in a secure environment.

Responding, Mr Umaru-Bago thanked God for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as painful and heartbreaking.

“Looking at these children and the torment they went through is unbearable, and we are grateful to God, Mr President, the NSA and all the security agencies for their roles in this successful rescue,” he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the rescued victims would be reunited with their families to enable them to celebrate the Christmas season together.

(NAN)