Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani‑Kayode has lauded Nigeria’s security forces for what he described as a dual triumph: the rescue of 100 schoolchildren abducted in Niger State and the alleged thwarting of a coup attempt in the neighbouring Republic of Benin. In a post on his X account, Fani‑Kayode praised the “rescue of 100 children that were abducted from their school in Papiri, Niger State by terrorists a couple of weeks ago” and credited security operatives with the success. He also claimed that Nigerian ground and air forces mobilised to “save democracy in Benin Republic” by intervening against a group of mutinous soldiers.
The schoolchildren were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. On November 21, armed gunmen reportedly stormed the boarding school around 2 a.m., seizing 315 persons — 303 students and 12 teachers. In the immediate aftermath, about 50 pupils escaped, leaving around 265 people in captivity. Reports now indicate that about 100 of the kidnapped schoolchildren have been released and were scheduled to be handed over to Niger State government representatives. Fani‑Kayode described the rescue as a vindication of the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies and a relief to grieving families and the nation, which has witnessed repeated attacks on schools.
On the same day, a group of soldiers in Benin appeared on state television claiming they had seized power, dissolved state institutions, suspended the constitution, and closed all borders and airspace. The mutineers announced the formation of a “Military Committee for Refoundation” and declared the ouster of the government. The putsch sparked alarm across West Africa, as the region has experienced growing instability in recent years. However, loyal forces quickly regained control, suppressing the uprising within hours. Strategic locations, including the state broadcaster and a military camp occupied by the mutineers, were reclaimed, and order was largely restored.
Fani‑Kayode credited the Nigerian Armed Forces with playing a critical role in countering the coup, claiming that fighter jets and ground troops supported operations, which forced the mutineers to abandon their positions. While the coup was officially foiled, the Beninese government has not publicly confirmed foreign involvement, and the extent of Nigerian intervention remains unverified. Likewise, while 100 schoolchildren have been rescued, details of how the operation was executed and the status of the remaining captives have not been officially disclosed.
The twin developments — mass release of kidnapped pupils and the suppression of a coup attempt — underscore a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with insecurity and regional instability. For many Nigerians, the release of 100 schoolchildren provides a glimmer of relief amidst a wave of school raids and abductions. Regionally, alleged cross-border military cooperation could mark a shift in how West African countries address security threats, though verification is needed.
Moving forward, there are calls for the federal government to publish an official, transparent account of the schoolchildren’s rescue, including the agencies involved and the status of the remaining abductees. International and regional observers are closely monitoring claims of foreign military involvement in Benin, which could have diplomatic implications. Meanwhile, civil society groups and parents have renewed appeals for enhanced security around schools and border communities, emphasizing that rescues should become the norm rather than the exception.
The successful operations, if fully corroborated, highlight both the resilience of Nigeria’s security architecture and the challenges that persist in safeguarding citizens and promoting stability in the West African region.
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