Release of Papiri Students Highlights Federal Government’s Capacity to Combat Kidnapping and Insurgency — Abiodun

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful rescue of the remaining abducted students of St. Mary’s Catholic School located in the Papiri community of Niger State.

The governor described the release as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to confront the persistent challenges of kidnapping and insurgency across the country. According to him, the outcome reflects a clear demonstration of leadership resolve and the effectiveness of coordinated security interventions.

The latest rescue operation led to the safe release of 130 students who had remained in captivity following their abduction. This development comes shortly after an earlier operation this month secured the freedom of 100 students from the same incident. With the recent release, a total of 230 students have now been rescued, bringing relief to families, school authorities, and concerned Nigerians nationwide.

Governor Abiodun noted that the successful outcome sends a strong signal that criminal elements threatening national peace and security will not prevail. He emphasized that the development reinforces public confidence in the capacity of the Tinubu administration to respond decisively to security threats, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren.

The Ogun State governor further stated that the rescue effort underscores the importance of intelligence-driven operations, collaboration among security agencies, and sustained political will. He added that the federal government’s approach demonstrates that decisive action, when consistently applied, can yield tangible results in safeguarding lives and restoring public trust.

He also expressed optimism that the victory recorded in the Papiri students’ release would serve as a morale booster for security personnel across the country. According to him, it is a reminder that persistent commitment to national security can gradually weaken the grip of criminal networks operating within Nigeria.

Governor Abiodun concluded by reaffirming his belief that the nation will overcome the challenges posed by kidnapping and insurgency. He stressed that the recent development is evidence that forces of violence and lawlessness will not overpower Nigeria’s collective resolve for peace, stability, and safety.