Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful release of all abducted pupils, teachers, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Niger State.
In a statement on Tuesday, Abdullahi said the release followed the directive and sustained intervention of President Tinubu.
The victims were kidnapped on November 21, 2025, from their boarding facility in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area, within the Borgu Emirate of Niger State.
According to the statement, about 50 pupils escaped from captivity shortly after the abduction, while another 100 were released on December 7.
“The final batch of 130 regained freedom a few days ago, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety for families and the community,” the statement added.
Abdullahi described the incident as deeply personal, noting that Papiri is one of the districts within the Borgu Kingdom and that several affected families sought the intervention of prominent citizens of Niger State.
He commended President Tinubu for what he described as a firm yet discreet deployment of security assets to secure the release of the abductees.
He also praised Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, for coordinating the security response, and Mohammed Umar Bago, governor of Niger State, for mobilising support and sustaining pressure until the crisis was resolved.
The minister said the successful outcome underscored the federal government’s commitment to the safety of Nigerians and called for continued public cooperation with security agencies to curb insecurity.
He urged residents of Niger State to support Governor Bago’s administration in efforts to strengthen security across the state.
Abdullahi wished the freed pupils, staff, and their families a peaceful recovery and extended Christmas and New Year greetings to them.
