FG to Reopen Schools Shut Over Insecurity

The Federal Government has announced plans to reopen all schools that were shut following terrorist attacks and the abduction of pupils and students in different parts of the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed this on Monday during a reception held at the Niger State Government House, Minna, to receive the final batch of 130 schoolchildren and teachers abducted by terrorists from St.

Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The terrorists had abducted a total of 315 pupils, students and teachers from the school on November 21, 2025. Two days after the incident, 50 pupils escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout and reunited with their families.
The remaining 130 victims regained their freedom last Sunday.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers was coordinated by the Office of the NSA through the combined efforts of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ribadu was represented by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abuja, Major General Adamu Laka.
According to the NSA, “The rescue of the remaining kidnapped students and teachers followed the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“This landmark achievement was made possible through the combined efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army and the DSS.”
Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens through ongoing reforms targeted at addressing security challenges across the country.
“The Federal Government will introduce short-term measures in high-risk areas by engaging community leaders to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“We will also reopen all schools that were closed as a result of insecurity to ensure that our children continue with their education.
“On behalf of the National Security Adviser, I formally hand over the remaining 130 students and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School to the Niger State Governor,” he said.
In his remarks, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Office of the NSA and the security agencies for the safe return of all the abducted students and teachers.
“We thank God for the mercy shown to us. Looking at them, you can see the trauma they have endured, and their number is also alarming. We are grateful that they will now be reunited with their families. It is unprecedented in this country to have everyone rescued and returned safely,” the governor said.