The Federal Government has disclosed that it will reopen all schools closed in the wake of terrorist attacks and the abduction of pupils and students across the country.
President Bola Tinubu made this known on Monday during a reception organised at the Niger State Government House, Minna, to welcome the last batch of 130 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by terrorists from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The terrorists had abducted 315 pupils, students and teachers of the school on November 21, 2025. Two days later, 50 pupils escaped from the terrorists’ den and returned to their parents.
The remaining 130 regained their freedom last Sunday.
Tinubu, who was represented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, explained that the rescue mission of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, coordinated by the Office of the NSA, succeeded through the combined efforts of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services.
Ribadu was represented at the event by Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abuja.
“The rescue of the remaining kidnapped students and teachers followed the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was coordinated by the Office of the NSA.
“This landmark achievement was made possible through the combined efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and the DSS,” the NSA said.
Tinubu reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to protecting the lives and property of citizens through reforms aimed at tackling security challenges.
“The Federal Government will implement short-term measures in high-risk areas by involving community leaders to ensure safety for all.
“We will also reopen all schools that have been closed due to insecurity to ensure that our children continue 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 the Niger State Governor,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Mohammed Bago thanked Tinubu, the Office of the NSA, and other security agencies for ensuring the safe return of all the abducted students and teachers.
“We thank God for the mercy shown to us. Looking at them, you can see the torment they have gone through, and their number is also very scary. We are happy that they will be reunited with their families. It is unprecedented to get everyone back like this in the country,” he said.
