A legal practitioner in Niger State, Mohammed Ndarani, has congratulated Governor Umaru Bago on the successful rescue of the pupils, students and teachers abducted by bandits from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Nursery and Secondary School, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area.

The senior lawyer stated this during an interview in Minna on Wednesday.

Mr Ndarani, who is the Hukunchi Nupe and Hausaland, also hailed the Federal Government and the security agencies for their collaborative efforts in the successful rescue operations.

The lawyer described the development as a major relief to the parents, guardians and residents of the area and nation at large.

He stated that the safe return of the victims had renewed public confidence in the capacity of the government to respond decisively to security challenges.

“The successful rescue of these innocent pupils, students and their teachers is a clear testimony to the proactive and people-centred leadership of Bago,” he said.

According to the senior lawyer, the swift intervention by the state government, working in synergy with security agencies, underscored the administration’s firm commitment to the protection of lives and property.

“This gesture further demonstrates that the present administration places premium on human lives and will not relent in its responsibility to safeguard the future of our children and the peace of our communities,” Mr Ndarani stated.

He said the operation also reflected the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and coordinated security responses, stressing that such approaches should be sustained to deter criminal elements and restore lasting peace in affected areas.

Mr Ndarani also lauded President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary political will and support to security agencies in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality nationwide.

“I commend Mr President for his unwavering support to the security architecture of the country and for prioritising the safety of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups such as school children,” he said.

The senior advocate further praised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, for its strategic coordination and professionalism in ensuring the safe return of the abducted victims.

“The role played by the Office of the National Security Adviser in coordinating security efforts leading to this successful rescue cannot be overemphasised. It is a reassuring signal that our security institutions are equal to the task,” he said.

Mr Ndarani, however, urged the Niger State Government to sustain its collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies to prevent future incidents, calling on communities to support security efforts through timely information sharing.

He also prayed for continued peace and stability in the state and across the country, expressing hope that the rescue would serve as a deterrent to criminal elements and a morale booster to security personnel.

(NAN)