Abducted Niger Pupils “Are Doing Fine and Will Be Back Soon” – NSA Ribadu

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured parents of the over 300 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State that the children “are doing fine and will be back soon.” Ribadu gave the reassurance on Monday during a meeting with the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, parents of the victims and CAN leaders at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro; DSS DG, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and CAN Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. Ribadu said his visit followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who suspended a planned trip over the incident. Calling the moment “solemn and difficult,” he assured parents that intensified federal security operations were underway.

Ribadu reiterated that the children would return safely, stating, “God is with them and God is with us. Evil will never win.” He also revealed that the United States, France, the United Kingdom and other European partners were supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle the kidnapping crisis. According to Daniel Atori, media aide to the Bishop, the assurances offered some comfort, though many parents remain anxious.

The NSA also promised strengthened security in the affected communities, insisting the incident would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism. “You will see our reactions and responses now. What they have done is what will change Nigeria for good,” he said.

However, CAN leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the Niger State government’s handling of the crisis. A source told SaharaReporters that the association accused Governor Umar Bago of ignoring their concerns and “dismissing their plight.”