A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, praised Nigeria’s security forces for rescuing about 100 abducted schoolchildren in Niger State and aiding Benin Republic to crush a military takeover attempt. He shared the commendation in a post on his X handle on Monday, December 8, 2025. The rescues and intervention brought relief to families and neighbours facing turmoil.
Gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, around 2am on November 21, 2025. The attackers rode motorbikes and operated for nearly three hours, seizing 315 people including 303 pupils and 12 teachers. About 50 pupils escaped within the first day and reunited with their families, leaving 265 in captivity until the latest operation freed 100 more.
Nigerian security operatives tracked and freed the 100 children on Sunday, December 7, 2025, as reported by TVC News and Channels Television. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school last week to reassure parents and officials that the captives remained safe. Federal authorities had yet to release an official statement on the success.
In Benin Republic, Nigerian Armed Forces sent fighter jets to bomb rebel soldiers who staged a coup and seized the national broadcaster and a major military camp. Ground troops from army battalions in Ikorodu and Badagry in Lagos State, plus Owode in Ogun State, mobilised along land borders to block the takeover. The combined efforts forced the mutineers to retreat and restored control swiftly.
Fani-Kayode celebrated the dual triumphs as vital defences of lives and democracy. “Our security forces rescued 100 children abducted from their school in Papiri, Niger State, by terrorists a couple of weeks ago yesterday,” he wrote. “Meanwhile, our Armed Forces saved democracy in Benin Republic by sending fighter jets to bomb the hell out of a group of mutinous soldiers who had staged a coup.” The actions highlighted Nigeria’s resolve in shielding the vulnerable and upholding regional stability.
