by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The 100 pupils and students of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State—freed on Sunday after weeks in captivity—have recounted the difficult conditions they endured in the hands of their abductors.
Their release, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), came after more than 50 others had earlier escaped from the over 300 children and staff kidnapped on November 21. The rescued group was formally handed over to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago by NSA Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, who confirmed that the joint operation was executed by the military and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking about their ordeal, student Florence Michael said they were taken deep into the forest and later camped near a river.
“They made us sleep on a trampoline and warned us not to make any noise. They threatened to beat or kill us if we did. They told us we might never return home if we were not calm,” she said.
Another student, Emmanuel, recalled living in fear throughout the captivity.
“We were threatened with guns not to cry or talk. They carried very large guns,” he said.
Parents expressed both relief and lingering trauma. Mrs. Elizabeth Samuel, whose daughter was among the rescued, said imagining the children surrounded by armed men was “terrifying.”
ONSA representative Abdullahi Idi Hong assured that security forces would strengthen protection in high-risk communities and remain focused on rescuing all remaining hostages.
Governor Bago thanked President Bola Tinubu and the NSA for their swift intervention and expressed confidence that the remaining pupils, students, and teachers still in captivity would be freed. He also urged sustained prayers for their safe return.
U.S. Lawmaker Says Nigeria Can Defeat Terrorism with Full Implementation of Security Resolutions
Visiting U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore praised the rescue operation, describing it as evidence of President Tinubu’s determination to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
In an X post on Monday, Moore—who has been involved in sensitive U.S.–Nigeria engagements regarding allegations of Christian persecution—said his recent meeting with NSA Nuhu Ribadu strengthened his belief that terrorism could be overcome if both countries fully implement the decisions reached during recent bilateral security talks.
His comments follow last month’s high-level meeting between Ribadu and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, held the same day the U.S. Congress deliberated on religious freedom concerns. Moore noted that discussions centered on enhancing cooperation and disrupting terrorist networks, especially in the North-East.
Tinubu Directs Security Chiefs: “Rescue Remaining 115 Students Without Delay”
President Bola Tinubu has applauded security agencies for securing the release of 100 of the abducted Papiri Catholic School children but ordered them to intensify operations to free the remaining 115 students and teachers still held captive.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President said federal authorities were working closely with the Niger State government to ensure the safe return of all abductees.
Tinubu stated:
“I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago on the safe return of 100 students. My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians must be rescued. We must account for all victims.”
He added that preventing future school abductions would require stronger security coordination between the federal and state governments.