Ribadu Says Abducted Niger Schoolchildren Are “Fine,” Assures Families of Imminent Rescue

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has assured that the pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State are “doing fine” in captivity and will return home soon. His comments came during a solidarity visit to Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school.

The school was attacked on November 21 by armed men who abducted 315 individuals—303 students and 12 staff members—in one of the largest mass kidnappings recorded in the state. Days after the incident, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, reported that 50 of the abducted students had escaped, raising hopes that more could regain their freedom.

During his visit, Ribadu delivered a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and acknowledged the pain felt by the victims’ families. According to a statement released by the diocese, Ribadu said the president had personally instructed him to visit the school community and reassure them of the government’s commitment to securing the hostages’ release.

“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us,” Ribadu stated. “We take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you. Mr. President is in pain; he is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing, including suspending an official trip, because of this situation.”

The NSA emphasized that the government would intensify its actions against criminal groups responsible for kidnappings, terrorism, and banditry across the country. “Enough is enough,” he declared. “We will be relentless in our efforts. Let us not allow bad people to divide us or allow evil to get into our midst.”

Ribadu added that Nigeria’s international partners—such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—were collaborating with the government to counter the insurgency and banditry that have destabilized several northern states for over two decades.

Bishop Yohanna expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the NSA for the visit, presenting them with a detailed report on the incident before both parties proceeded into a closed-door meeting that lasted about 30 minutes.

However, Ribadu’s reassurances have sparked widespread public outrage. Many Nigerians questioned how abducted schoolchildren held in forest camps by armed bandits could possibly be described as “doing fine.” Critics described the comment as insensitive, tone-deaf, and reflective of what they consider to be the government’s ineffective handling of nationwide insecurity.

Across social platforms, users voiced frustration with the persistent cycle of mass abductions, negotiations, ransom payments, and delayed rescues. Some accused the government of downplaying the suffering of victims, while others implied that officials might have insider knowledge of the kidnappers’ operations.

Commenters also expressed disbelief that the abducted children could be said to be “doing well” after weeks in captivity, exposed to harsh conditions, psychological trauma, hunger, and fear. Many insisted that statements of reassurance mean little without swift, visible action to secure the hostages’ safe return.

As the nation awaits updates, public pressure continues to mount on security agencies to deliver concrete results, not just promises, and to address the root causes of the insecurity crisis devastating communities in Niger State and across the northern region.