Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has officially received the 100 rescued students of St Mary’s Catholic School, who were abducted on November 21, 2025.

The children were handed over to Governor Bago by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, the representative of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, at Government House, Minna, on Monday.

Responding, Governor Bago described the development as fundamental in redefining the history of Niger State.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu, the NSA and other partners for the safe release of the 100 children.

The governor also called for prayers for the safe return of the remaining students and their teachers, who are still in captivity.

“We will continue to also pray for the recovery of the remaining children in captivity. We will ensure they are reunited with their parents soon,” Bago said.

After the brief ceremony, buses conveyed the students to Kontagora, where they will be reunited with their parents and families.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

While expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.

“I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.

“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely.  We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

“From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma,” President Tinubu said.