The nation’s top security official, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has offered a glimmer of hope to grieving families, confirming that the pupils and staff taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger are “doing fine” and will be home soon.
This statement comes amidst growing protests by parents, more than a week after bandits stormed the school on November 21. While 50 students have managed to escape their captors, over 260 pupils and teachers are still being held, prompting urgent calls for government action.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger state has confirmed that 50 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School have escaped from captivity.
During a solidarity visit to Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora diocese and proprietor of the school, National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu reportedly said, “the children are doing fine and will be back soon”.
A statement by the diocese quoted Ribadu as further stating his and the President’s commitment to the crisis:
“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us, especially after hearing from some of the parents and all of you. However, we take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you.
“This is a directive from Mr. President that we must come and visit you. Mr. President is in pain; he is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing; he was supposed to travel but he suspended his journey.”
The NSA emphasized a firm stance against the perpetrators, noting that the government would no longer tolerate the activities of criminals terrorizing Nigerians.
“Enough is enough. We will not be relentless in our efforts. We are all under attack. Let us not allow bad people to divide us; let us not allow evil to get into us,” he said.
Ribadu also highlighted the robust international support Nigeria is receiving in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Many good people from all over the world are coming to support us, including the United States of America. We appreciate everyone, especially European countries like France, the United Kingdom and a couple of others. The whole world is coming together to stop and defeat this evil which has been going on in Nigeria for two decades.”
However,
The students and 12 teachers were abducted by armed men on November 21, 2025. While 50 pupils have escaped, at least 265 individuals remain in captivity as of early December 2025.
