The Federal Government has secured the release of 130 schoolchildren abducted by gunmen from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Niger State, bringing relief after weeks of uncertainty.
The announcement was made by the Presidency, with Presidential aide Dele Alake Dare confirming the development in a post on X, stating: “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity.” The post was accompanied by photographs showing the freed children.
Mass Abduction
The abduction occurred in the early hours of November 21, when heavily armed gunmen stormed the Catholic school. More than 300 pupils, teachers, and staff were reportedly taken during the attack. Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers on over 60 motorcycles, supported by a vehicle. The school’s gatekeeper was shot during the incident and sustained serious injuries.
While the exact number of abductees has remained unclear, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) earlier put the figure at 315, later disclosing that 50 of the children escaped from captivity on their own.
Government Response
Following the attack, the Niger State Government condemned the incident and said it had previously ordered the temporary closure of boarding schools and suspended construction activities in the affected areas as a precaution. However, school authorities disputed the claim.
The Federal Government imposed a 24-hour security cordon, launched aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states, and ordered the indefinite closure of schools in Niger State and other high-risk regions. President Bola Tinubu also cancelled a planned international trip to personally oversee the response to the crisis.
Earlier Release
On December 7, authorities announced the release of 100 of the abducted children. They were received by Governor Umaru Bago at the Niger State Government House and formally handed over by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
With the release of the remaining 130 pupils, officials have now confirmed that all abducted children have been freed.
Global Outrage
The mass abduction sparked widespread national and international outrage, adding to concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation. The incident followed similar attacks in Kebbi State, where more than 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped, and in Kwara State, where 38 worshippers were abducted.
The crisis also drew international attention, particularly from the United States, where President Donald Trump threatened possible intervention and declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing attacks on Christians.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening security and preventing further attacks on schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
