The Federal Government has secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Niger State.
The pupils were among the 315 individuals—303 students and 12 teachers—seized by armed bandits during a brazen overnight attack on the school in the remote community of Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, on November 21, 2025.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, 50 pupils managed to escape. However, 265 individuals, including 253 children and all 12 teachers, were taken into captivity, sparking a national crisis and a massive security operation.
The release of the first 100 children marks a significant, though partial, breakthrough in the weeks-long ordeal. The circumstances of their release are yet to be officially disclosed by authorities.
President Bola Tinubu had cancelled planned international travel to oversee the government’s response, which included imposing a 24-hour security cordon and launching aerial surveillance across parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.
As of now, 165 individuals—comprising 153 students and the 12 teachers—remain in captivity. Security forces and community hunters continue operations in nearby forests to secure their freedom.
The Federal Government has ordered the indefinite closure of all schools in Niger State and many federal institutions in high-risk regions.
More to follow…
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