President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded Nigeria’s security agencies following the release of 100 abducted students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, while directing an intensified operation to secure the freedom of the remaining 115 students and teachers still in captivity.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed relief and joy over the safe return of the first batch of rescued students after their abduction on 21 November.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President assured anxious parents that the Federal Government, working closely with the Niger State Government, is committed to reuniting all kidnapped children with their families.
He reiterated his directive to security forces to ensure that every abducted Nigerian is accounted for and rescued without delay.
“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 President said.
Tinubu also ordered security agencies, in collaboration with state governors, to strengthen preventive measures to stop future school kidnappings, stressing that Nigerian children must never again be left vulnerable to violent attackers.
“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,” he said.
