The Federal Government handed over 100 students rescued from St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State, to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at Government House, Minna, on December 8, 2025. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu's representative, Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, detailed a two-week operation by DSS, armed forces, and agencies that freed the children from Wawa Forest in Borgu on Sunday night, emphasizing education's inviolability. The handover via five NSA buses under heavy escort marks progress from the November 21 raid abducting 303 pupils and 12 teachers.
Visibly emotional, Bago shook hands with the young victims (aged 5-18), directing medical checks and CAN-led reunions, vowing swift recovery of the remaining 200+ captives and teachers. He hailed President Tinubu's mobilization, calling the moment "redefining" for Niger: "I am emotionally broken down due to the age and size of these children". Protective school shutdowns and partnerships with states, traditional rulers continue.
The operation follows 50 initial escapes, amid banditry plaguing Northwest schools; no ransom details disclosed. Bago urged sustained prayers for full resolution.