NSA hands over remaining 130 St Mary’s Catholic School pupils, teachers to Niger State Gov

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, President Tinubu’s National Security Adviser (NSA), has officially handed over the remaining 130 kidnapped students and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic School to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger state.

Recall that on 8 December 2025, the Office of the NSA officially handed over a total of 100 kidnapped students to the Niger State government.

At a brief ceremony at the Government House in Minna, Ribadu, represented by Maj Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator, Center for Counter Terrorism, Abuja, explained that the rescue mission succeeded through the combined efforts of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the police, and the Department of Security Services (DSS).

“The rescue of the remaining kidnapped students and teachers followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu and coordinated by the Office of the NSA. This landmark achievement was achieved through the help of the Nigerian Police, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and the DSS,” the NSA disclosed.

He also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to protecting the lives and property of citizens.

“The federal government will implement short-term measures in high-risk areas by involving community leaders to provide safety for all.

“We will also reopen all schools that have been closed due to insecurity to ensure our children continue with their education.

“On behalf of the National Security Adviser, I hand over the remaining 130 students and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School to you,” the NSA’s representative said.

In his response, Governor Bago thanked the President and the Office of the NSA, alongside other security agencies, for ensuring the safe return of all the kidnapped students and teachers.

He stated, “We thank God for the mercies shown to us. Looking at them, you see the torment they have gone through and looking at their number is also very scary. We are happy they will be reunited with their families.”

Bago hailed the rescue of all the kidnapped students and their teachers, saying, “It is unprecedented to get everyone back like this in the country.”