Northern Christian group praises DSS for arresting…

A coalition of Christians in northern Nigeria has praised the Department of State Services, DSS, for arresting five suspects linked to the November 2025 abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State.

The Northern Christian Association, NCA, said the arrests demonstrate that intense intelligence and security coordination can dismantle terrorism logistics networks.

In a statement signed Monday by president Rev. Joseph John Hayab, the group said people of good conscience must recognize the government’s successes, not just failures.

“People of good conscience should not only criticize the government when it fails to meet expectations, but should also recognize the government when it delivers,” Hayab said.

Security sources revealed at the weekend that the DSS arrested five people, including two Nigerians, with a large cache of weapons and ammunition believed to be linked to the Papiri School kidnapping.

Hayab said arresting those who supply weapons to criminal elements is crucial to reducing attacks on vulnerable communities.

“Dismantling the networks that supply logistics and weapons to terrorists is critical to reducing the ability of such groups to launch attacks on innocent citizens,” he said.

While praising security personnel who “put their lives on the line despite being frequent targets”, the NCA urged the Director General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, to ensure thorough investigations so that “all those linked to the crime are brought to justice”.

The group stressed that accountability would deter groups intent on destabilizing the country.

Hayab urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify counter-terrorism efforts to restore public trust and strengthen national security. He also called on communities and stakeholders to support the collective goal of a peaceful and united Nigeria.

The November 2025 raid on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri shocked the nation and highlighted persistent threats to North Central schools.

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