I Didn’t Believe I Will Celebrate Christmas With My Family, Freed Niger Teacher Says

Some of the kidnapped Niger Catholic school teachers recently freed from their abductors’ den have explained their inability to walk properly, saying it is due to excessive trekking their captors subjected them to.

According to some of the teachers, they went through hell walking long distances while the bandits carried the children on bikes, adding that they were mostly concerned about the safety of their students.

This is coming just as the Catholic Diocese of Kontogora has insisted that the 130 children and staff of St Mary Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State that were released are not the entire people missing.

The Diocese described the 130 released on Sunday as the second batch of the abductees.

Meanwhile, the students and teachers were received yesterday by the governor of the state, Mohammed Umaru Bago, amid tight security.

However, a few teachers who spoke in brief interviews narrated their ordeal at the hands of the bandits.

The governor, while receiving the released 130 abductees, lauded the efforts of the Federal Government through the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

He expressed delight that the children were released before Christmas, adding that the students would be immediately reunited with their parents.

The governor was visibly touched by the age of some of the released abductees, who were looking frail and tired.

Meanwhile, a release by the Catholic Diocese of Kontogora acknowledged that those released were merely the second batch of the abductees; it did not acknowledge that the complete number of abductees had been released, as was claimed by the Presidency.

A statement by the secretary of the Diocese, Rev. Father Luka Jatau Joseph, commended all stakeholders who worked for the release of the children and staff, adding that the public would be informed after due verification.

Meanwhile, a teacher, Daniel Dogon Yaro, who was one of the abductees, said the victims went through hell in the hands of their abductors to the extent that they can hardly walk now.

He said, “The children were transported on motorcycles, while we, the teachers and other members of staff, walked barefoot for a very long distance.

“I sustained an injury on my foot and leg as a result of the walk. My leg is still swollen up until now. That is why I am limping, as you can see.

“You will be trekking and trekking; we did not know our destination, nor were we aware of their location, even if they allowed you to go,” he said.

Another teacher, who prefers anonymity, told LEADERSHIP, “If you told me when I was with them that I would be able to come back and celebrate Christmas with my family, I would not have believed it.”

“It was hellish, but I thank God we are back. We give God the glory. We suffered, but more than our suffering, we were more concerned about the little children,” she added.

How We Rescue 130 Abductees – NSA

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has admitted the involvement of international partners in the rescue of the abducted St Mary Catholic school in Papiri Agwara local government area of Niger state.

He said this through the coordinator of the centre for counter terrorism, Retired Major  General Garba Adamu Laka, while handing over the rescued 130 Abductees to Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

The NSA stated that the rescue was made possible by the resilience and combined efforts of the DSS, the Army, the Police, and international partners.

He said, “This rescue is the result of the directive of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and intense operation by the office of the National Security Adviser in conjunction with the DSS, Army, Police, other security agencies and our international partners, which has yielded another landmark achievement of rescuing the victims unhurt.”

“It is important to note that the sustained roles of the DSS and the Second Division of the Nigerian Army and the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff had set significant measures in ensuring the success of this operation “, he added.

He assured the determination of the NSA to protect the lives and properties of citizens, stating that the office is working in collaboration with state governors and traditional rulers to develop a security framework to protect local communities.

CDS Commends Troops For Rescue Of St Mary School Children

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has commended troops for their bravery, professionalism, and swift response in the successful rescue of the remaining students of St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a statement, said the operation underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to national security and the protection of innocent lives.

He, however, did not state whether the abductors were apprehended or killed in the rescue operation.

According to the statement, troops within the week arrested 38 suspected terrorists, collaborators, kidnappers and their sympathisers.

Troops also deactivated three illegal refining sites, arrested five suspected oil thieves, rescued 69 other kidnap victims across the country and recovered stolen crude worth N15,697,975.00.

He provided a breakdown of recovered products as follows: 6,520 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,510 litres of AGO, and 2,015 litres of PMS.

Additionally, they discovered and destroyed three illegal refining sites and arrested five oil thieves.

He said, “Troops’ sacrifices and dedication to duty are highly appreciated and have justified the confidence the nation reposes in the AFN. Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to pay profound tribute to the generations of military veterans whose dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism laid the foundation of the modern AFN.

Through periods of nation-building, internal security challenges, peacekeeping missions, and institutional reforms, these men and women served with courage and an unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our nation. Their leadership shaped doctrine, strengthened command structures, and instilled the enduring values of discipline, loyalty, and service before self.”

He said the progress and capabilities evident in today’s AFN are a direct reflection of their foresight and resolve.  “They invested in training, mentorship, and operational excellence, ensuring that each successive generation was better prepared to meet emerging threats and evolving responsibilities at home and abroad. Their legacy is not only measured in victories and milestones, but in the professional ethos that continues to guide our ranks.

“As the current generation of officers and personnel, we acknowledge this legacy with humility and gratitude. We accept the responsibility to preserve these standards, adapt to new realities, and lead with integrity. With the same sense of duty that defined those before us, we will carry the torch forward, strengthening the AFN today and safeguarding it for the generations yet to serve,” he said.