Nigeria has received new pledges of support from major global powers in its ongoing fight against terrorism, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said. He disclosed that countries such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom are already working closely with Nigerian security agencies to strengthen operations against armed groups responsible for kidnappings and attacks across the country.
Ribadu made this known during a visit to Kontagora in Niger State, where he met with Christian leaders and families affected by the recent abduction of students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School, located in Papiri community. The meeting was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, where anxious parents and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Region, gathered to seek answers and reassurance.
The NSA, who met with the CAN Northern Chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, described the abduction as “a painful period for all of us.” According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply troubled by the incident and has issued strict directives to security agencies to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped children.
“This is a painful period for all of us but I want to assure you: we will rescue your children,” Ribadu said. “The President is deeply concerned and has directed that everything necessary must be done.”
He added that President Tinubu had suspended official engagements, including a planned trip, in order to focus fully on the rescue efforts. This move, Ribadu said, reflects the seriousness with which the government is treating the situation.
Ribadu explained that Nigeria is not confronting its security challenges alone. According to him, friendly nations have stepped up to provide technical support, intelligence-sharing and other forms of assistance aimed at helping Nigeria track terrorist networks and strengthen security operations.
“The whole world stands with us. This evil will not prevail. Your children will come back safely. That is our solemn promise,” Ribadu told the gathering.
He added: “Many good people from all over the world are coming to support us, including the United States of America. We appreciate everyone, especially the European countries like France, the United Kingdom and a couple of others.”
The NSA did not go into details about the nature of the support, but officials in previous security briefings have often mentioned areas such as satellite imagery, training of special forces, counter-terrorism equipment and intelligence analysis. These forms of assistance are part of ongoing collaboration that Nigeria has had with Western partners for more than a decade, especially since Boko Haram launched its violent campaign in 2009.
The latest kidnapping in Papiri adds to a long list of abductions in Niger State, where communities have continued to face attacks by bandits and insurgents. In recent years, schools in northern Nigeria have become recurring targets, with criminals kidnapping students to demand ransom payments from families and state authorities.
The trend gained global attention in 2014 following the abduction of over 270 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State by Boko Haram. Similar incidents have since happened in Dapchi, Tegina, Kagara, Jangebe and several other communities across the North.
Niger State, due to its vast forests and its location bordering several northern states, has remained a difficult terrain for security forces. Bandits often take advantage of the challenging landscape to hide, move in large numbers and carry out raids on villages, schools and highways.
Ribadu acknowledged these challenges, noting that the Federal Government is working to strengthen security in the state and across the region. He assured parents that the government was taking full responsibility for restoring peace, adding that ongoing operations were receiving renewed attention from Abuja.
President Tinubu has faced growing pressure from Nigerians to address the rise in kidnappings and violent attacks in rural communities. While his administration has launched several security initiatives—including restructuring military commands and deploying new equipment—many citizens continue to demand faster and more decisive action.
The president’s decision to suspend official activities to monitor the rescue operation underscores both the urgency of the situation and the high expectations placed on his government. Observers say the administration hopes that close coordination with foreign partners will help it make quicker breakthroughs in intelligence gathering and tactical operations.
For families in Papiri and nearby communities, the government’s assurances offer some comfort, but their primary concern remains the safe return of their children. Parents at the cathedral during Ribadu’s visit described sleepless nights and constant anxiety, hoping that security operatives will act swiftly.
Bishop Yohanna, speaking on behalf of CAN Northern Region, called for unity among Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity. He appealed to the government to intensify efforts to protect schools and vulnerable communities, noting that repeated attacks have created fear and trauma among both students and teachers.
As rescue operations continue, Nigerians across the country are following the developments closely. The abduction has once again brought national attention to the broader problem of insecurity, particularly in the North where armed groups continue to challenge state authority.
The government’s announcement of increased support from global partners may strengthen public confidence, but many citizens are waiting to see concrete results—starting with the safe return of the Papiri schoolchildren.
For now, the NSA says the government is fully committed.
“Your children will come back safely,” Ribadu repeated. “That is our solemn promise.”
