All abducted St. Mary’s Schoolchildren in Niger State regain freedom

All the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been released, bringing relief to families and ending weeks of anxiety across the state and beyond.

The final batch of 115 students was freed on Sunday, raising the total number of rescued children to about 265, according to officials familiar with the development. The release marks the conclusion of a month-long ordeal that began with a deadly attack on the school on November 21, 2025.

Armed gunmen had stormed the boarding school in the early hours of the day, killing several persons and abducting 303 students alongside 12 teachers in what was described as one of the largest mass school kidnappings in recent Nigerian history. The incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, about 50 students reportedly escaped from captivity on their own and made their way to safety. Subsequently, 100 students were released on December 8 following sustained pressure from security agencies and coordinated rescue operations.

The release of the remaining 115 students now brings closure to the traumatic episode, with authorities describing the outcome as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping in the region. Security agencies were said to have intensified intelligence-led operations and negotiations to secure the freedom of the victims without further loss of life.

Parents and guardians have expressed gratitude to security operatives and the Niger State Government for their roles in securing the release of the children, while religious and community leaders have called for improved security around schools to prevent a recurrence.

Officials said arrangements were being made to provide medical checks, psychological support, and counseling for the freed students as they reunite with their families after weeks in captivity.