By Emmanuel Kwada
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday revealed that the Federal Government is receiving robust intelligence and operational backing from the United States, United Kingdom, and France in the intensified fight against insurgency and banditry terrorising parts of the country.
Speaking during an emotional visit to the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora in Niger State, where over 20 schoolchildren and staff of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School were abducted by gunmen last week, Ribadu disclosed that the international support has significantly boosted Nigeria’s capacity to track and neutralise criminal networks.
“We are not alone in this fight. The United States, United Kingdom, and France are giving us tremendous support – intelligence sharing, technical assistance, and coordination that have already begun yielding results,” the NSA stated.
Ribadu, who led a high-powered federal delegation on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, told the distraught Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, and parents of the abducted children: “This is a directive from Mr. President that we must come and visit you. Mr. President is in pain. He is in sorrow just like all of us. He stopped everything he was doing; he was supposed to travel but he suspended his journey because of this incident.”
In a rare admission, the Federal Government openly accepted responsibility for the security lapse that allowed the attack to occur.
“We take responsibility because it is our duty to protect you,” Ribadu said solemnly. “This is a very difficult moment for us as a government and as a people. However, enough is enough. We will not relent in our efforts. We are all under attack. Let us not allow bad people to divide us; let us not allow evil to get into us.”
The NSA assured that massive security reinforcements have been deployed to the axis, vowing that the latest abduction “is what will change Nigeria for good.”
“Evil people will always be around, but you will see our reactions and responses now. What they have done will mark the turning point,” he declared.
Ribadu particularly commended Bishop Bulus Yohanna for his courage and steadfastness in the face of repeated attacks on the Church and Christian communities in the region, describing him as “a symbol of resilience.”
Although the exact number of children still in captivity remains unconfirmed by authorities, sources within the diocese say at least 21 pupils and several staff members are yet to be released or rescued.
Security sources told journalists that joint operations involving Nigerian forces and international partners are already underway in the forests spanning Niger, Kaduna, and Zamfara states to locate and free the victims.
President Tinubu, who has faced mounting criticism over persistent school abductions, is said to be personally monitoring the situation on an hourly basis.
The Kontagora attack is the latest in a string of mass kidnappings that have plagued northern Nigeria, reigniting national outrage and calls for decisive action against armed criminal gangs operating with near-impunity in the region.
