By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, Dec. 22, 2025 (NAN) – The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has declared that the successful rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, marks a definitive victory and a powerful reaffirmation of the Nigerian government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister confirmed the conclusion of the harrowing ordeal: “The Federal Government can confirm that all 230 abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, have been freed. Not a single pupil remains in captivity. The just-released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger State Government for subsequent reunification with their families.”
Idris framed the operation as a testament to national resilience. “This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s unwavering resolve to protect its people,” he stated. This statement seeks to project a message of restored state capacity and deterrence against future kidnappings, which have plagued regions of the country. The operation’s success, likely involving coordinated intelligence and tactical units, is presented as a blueprint for confronting the complex security challenges in Nigeria’s hinterlands.
Beyond the strategic messaging, the Minister struck a note of profound empathy. He acknowledged the “agony” endured by the parents and guardians throughout the crisis, a period marked by intense fear and uncertainty. His wishes for a “pleasant family reunion, good healing process, compliments of the season, and a Merry Christmas” aim to provide emotional closure and underscore the human dimension of the state’s intervention.
The Papiri rescue is a significant event in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against mass abductions for ransom. While it represents a critical win, security analysts emphasize that sustainable safety requires a multi-pronged approach beyond reactive rescues. This includes fortifying school security in vulnerable areas, addressing the socio-economic drivers of insecurity, and ensuring continuous intelligence gathering. The government’s challenge now is to translate this tactical success into a lasting, strategic framework that prevents such incidents from occurring in the first place.
The safe return of all 230 students offers a moment of national relief and a potent symbol of hope during the holiday season. However, it also reinforces the urgent, ongoing imperative to secure the nation’s schools and protect its most vulnerable citizens from violence.
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim) (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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