By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Federal Government has Hand over the 100 abducted students of St.Mary Catholic Primary and Secondary School Papiri in Agwara local council,to governor Muhammad Umaru Bago of Niger State,at the government house, Minna Monday 8th December 2025.

The National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu represented by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong stated that since the abduction of the children on 21st November 2025,at the school hostel Papiri, federal government has been working assiduous to ensure their rescue and safe return.

Ribadu noted that to ensure the policies to protect the rights of every Nigerian child is safe,had reiterated the unwavering commitment of the security agencies to come up with measures to protect the country and the citizens.

Earlier,Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago who was emotional while receiving the 100 children, appreciated President Bola Tinubu as well as the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their swift actions in rescuing and recovering of the children.

Bago promised that the rest students still in captivity will be recovered in no distance time and to be re-unite with their parents, appealed for sustainable prayers to ensure their safe return.

In Bago words”.Today is fundamental in redefining the history of Niger state, I am emotionally broken down due to the ages and size of this children, medical officials have been directed to examine their health status to ensure they are healthy”. He added.

The governor stressed that the state government is working in collaboration with the CAN, UNICEF and other relevant authorities to ensure safe return of all the remaining abducted students.

By Our Correspondent

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sunday, begged Ndigbo living within Nigeria and in Diaspora who plan to come home for the Christmas festivities to do so, assuring that its security outfit, Eastern Security Network, (ESN, operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security throughout the entire South East region within the period under review.

Making the urge through its image maker, Emma Powerful, the movement said that, “The South East Region is Nigeria’s most tranquil area. Despite the sponsored instability in the East over the last 4 years, the security conditions have notably enhanced.

“The government and their backed criminals have depleted their orchestrated insecurity employed to blackmail IPOB and ESN. Despite all the antics and deadly deeds of hyenas and jackals, the landowners remain present to defend and hold onto their territory. The Eastern region has consistently been secure and will always remain secure since Ndigbo are inherently peaceful.

“Thus, we urge Ndigbo and their friends wishing to visit Ala Igbo this Christmas to return home and experience the warmth of the Land of the Rising Sun. Our people need to disregard the funded and exaggerated media effort portraying insecurity in the Biafra region.

“We acknowledge that there are areas of insecurity in Biafra Land, as we are affected by the broader insecurity occurring in Nigeria. Nonetheless, IPOB and ESN, alongside the support of Ndigbo, have performed admirably in maintaining the security of Alaigbo relative to other areas.

“We aim to take this opportunity to clarify the false rumors circulating on social media regarding the alleged kidnapping of some passengers at Ngor Okpala along the Owerri – Aba expressway recently. The mentioned kidnapping event was false.

“The footage of the abduction incident was an old clip that reappeared on social media. Numerous security tasks have been carried out discreetly by the ESN Operatives without any social media attention. The public should be aware that ESN lacks any social media accounts.

“Do not anticipate observing their activities on social media apart from those that IPOB leadership has authorized for posting. The absence of continuous killings and abductions in that Eastern region serves as evidence that there are Lions guarding the Land. Those spreading the falsehood that ESN Operatives have been wiped out should question the Fulani terrorists about their avoidance of the Eastern region. The Igbo proverb states, “onye si na Osimmiri atala, ya tinye ukwu ya” (whoever claims a river is dry should place their feet in it).

“The Nigerian government, along with certain self-serving Igbo politicians, has attempted and been unsuccessful in breaking up ESN and IPOB. The Biafra Restoration project led by IPOB is a sacred initiative. Thus, darkness cannot eliminate light. The restoration of Biafra is a summons from Chukwu Okike Abiama (God Almighty), and it will materialize at the appropriate moment. In the end, we invite our people to come back home for Christmas in large numbers and to also bring some investments to be made in our region.

“Do not allow anyone or the government to use fear tactics to make you abandon Biafra Land. We greet you during this joyful season. May God bless each of you and provide safe travels on roads, oceans, and in the air. Iseeeee”, IPOB prayed.

By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Indigenous Bishops and Ministers’ Forum, NDIBAMF, last Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Department of State Services, DSS, to discuss rising security concerns affecting churches across the oil-rich region.

The senior clerics’ visit which came barely a week after a similar visit to the 6 Division of the Nigeria Army Headquarters, Port Harcourt followed widespread social media reports of bandits allegedly moving into the Niger Delta, with particular concerns for Rivers State.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Forum, Bishop John Ogolo, expressed sincere appreciation to the Director General DG of the DSS, for providing reliable security that has contributed significantly, to peace and safety across the state.

Bishop Ogolo, the Prelate of Lovers of Christ Ministry, commended the agency’s continuous efforts in tackling various threats to the life and property of citizens, vouching that their sacrifices are not taken for granted.

Bishop Ogolo also sympathized with the DG over the casualties security operatives encounter, while protecting the nation’s citizens and critical infrastructure, reassuring the DSS, that the prayers of the Christian community rest on them, vowing that their efforts to sustain peace will continue to yield positive results.

“We sincerely regret the increasing security challenges our pastors, church workers, and worship centres, face, particularly in remote and less-protected areas, hence this our visit aims at deepening collaboration with your organization, to ensuring that worship centres remain safe for religious activities.

The Christian community therefore calls for stronger intelligence sharing, rapid response mechanisms, and proactive measures, to prevent threats before they escalate,” they requested.

Addressing newsmen on the aim of the visit, the President General of NDIBAMF, Archbishop Julius Ediwe, appreciated the warm reception from the Director and his officers. He said the State, and indeed, the entire South-South is peaceful, urging churches to remain calm, as the DSS is fully in control of ensuring safety and maintaining peace.

In his response, the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Olunwantosin Ajayi, assured the delegation of the agency’s commitment to supporting peaceful religious gatherings and strengthening security coordination across the region. He commended the Forum for taking the initiative to engage directly with security agencies.

The meeting is expected to pave the way for stronger cooperation between the Church and security sector, with a shared commitment to protecting lives, ensuring stability, and promoting peaceful coexistence within the Niger Delta. ###.