National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reassures families that rescue efforts are ongoing following the 21 November attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri.
National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reassured parents and authorities of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, that the abducted pupils “are doing fine and will return soon.
Ribadu delivered the assurance on Monday during a visit to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, and the parents of the abducted children at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.
He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope, emphasizing that rescue efforts are ongoing and security deployment in the affected area has been intensified.
“God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win. They are going to come back. I give you that assurance,” Ribadu said.
He acknowledged the emotional toll on families, adding:
“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us, especially after listening to some of the parents. We take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you. Mr. President is in pain, he is in sorrow just like all of us. He suspended all engagements, including an official trip, because of this incident.”
Ribadu called for national unity, stating, “The common enemy must not be allowed to divide the country. Enough is enough. We will not relent in our efforts. We are all under attack; let us not allow evil to get into us.”
He was accompanied by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Bernard Doro, DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi, and CAN Northern Nigeria Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab.
The NSA commended Bishop Yohanna for his composure and reiterated the Federal Government’s support for affected families, saying:
“Many good people from around the world are coming to support us, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and others. The whole world is coming together to defeat this evil that has tormented Nigeria for two decades.”
Ribadu also pledged strengthened security around the school and surrounding communities, adding:
“This incident will change Nigeria for good.”
The Abduction:
The attack occurred on 21 November 2025, when armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri around 2:00 a.m., abducting 315 individuals—303 students and 12 teachers over a three-hour period.
Security forces and community hunters were deployed to nearby forests to search for the abductees. While 50 students escaped and reunited with their families, 265 individuals—253 children and all 12 teachers—remain in captivity.
The Federal Government responded by imposing a 24-hour security cordon, launching aerial surveillance across Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States, and closing schools in high-risk areas. President Tinubu also cancelled planned international travel to address the crisis.