Sule, Enenche Hail Federal Government, Others Over Release Of 100 Abducted Niger Schoolchildren

Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and retired Major General John Enenche, have commended the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release of 100 pupils out of the achoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara local government area of Niger State.

Speaking on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, ‘Sunday Politics’, on Sunday night, Governor Sule described the development as “cheering news,” praising the coordination that led to the rescue.

“I congratulate Mr. President since the Federal Government played a key role in this release. I also congratulate my dear younger brother, the governor of Niger State, and indeed all the parents of these children. This is cheering news, no matter what people are saying on the streets,” he said.

The governor noted that several security efforts could not be disclosed for operational reasons, stressing that personnel remained committed behind the scenes.

“There are people working day and night to ensure this happens. The essence of government is to provide security and welfare and ensure that citizens can move freely. The government and security agencies are working,” Sule stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to secure the release of those still in captivity and prevent future school abductions.

“Not everything can be disclosed on air. By the grace of God, others will also be released. Beyond that, we must ensure our children are no longer kidnapped, and that is what we are working towards,” he added.

Also speaking on the TV programme, pioneer Director of Defence Media Operations, retired Major General John Enenche, applauded the military and other security operatives for the breakthrough.

Enenche, also a former Commandant of the Army War College, described the rescue as significant, given the challenges of operating in difficult terrains controlled by armed bandits.

“The government and security agencies have done a lot, and Nigerians will be happy. At a point, it seemed like hope was lost. Initially, about 300 persons were taken, and the first rescue yielded around 40,” he said.

According to him, the method used in securing the pupils’ release was less important than the lives saved.

“Now we have 100 released. It is not easy, whichever means was used. They will not tell you the details. Whether through non-kinetic means, bargaining, or negotiations, nobody knows. But the lives of these 100 children have been saved, and that is what matters,” Enenche said.

The attack on St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School occurred on November 21, when armed bandits arrived around 2 a.m. on motorcycles and stormed the school dormitories in an operation that lasted about three hours.

In total, 315 persons, which included 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted, making it one of the largest mass kidnappings since the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction.

Security forces, alongside community hunters, launched immediate search operations across surrounding forests and riverine areas. 50 pupils were reported to have escaped within 24 hours; the governor of Niger State, during an interview with BBC, disclosed that 11 more students were rescued in a farm settlement.