All 130 Abducted Niger Schoolchildren Freed After Weeks in Captivity

The Federal Government has confirmed the release of all 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, bringing to an end one of the most disturbing school kidnapping cases recorded in recent months.

The announcement was made on Sunday by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, who said none of the abducted pupils remained with their captors. In a brief post shared via his official social media account, Dare stated that the children had regained their freedom and were safe. Images accompanying the announcement showed visibly relieved children alongside an adult believed to be part of the rescue process.

The release follows weeks of uncertainty after heavily armed gunmen stormed the Catholic school in the early hours of November 21, carting away pupils, teachers, and staff members in what security sources described as a highly coordinated operation. Witnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers on dozens of motorcycles, supported by a vehicle, and shot the school’s gatekeeper before forcing their way into the premises.

Initial figures surrounding the abduction varied, with conflicting accounts from government officials, school authorities, and religious groups. While some reports suggested more than 300 people were taken, later assessments narrowed the number of abducted schoolchildren to at least 130.

A Crisis That Triggered Nationwide Security Measures

The mass abduction triggered immediate emergency responses at both state and federal levels. Schools across Niger State were shut indefinitely, while boarding institutions in other high-risk regions were ordered to suspend operations. Security agencies imposed round-the-clock surveillance across parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states, deploying aerial patrols and ground operatives to track the kidnappers.

President Bola Tinubu also suspended planned foreign engagements to focus on the unfolding crisis, as public pressure mounted over the safety of children and the growing pattern of attacks on educational institutions.

On December 7, authorities had earlier announced the release of 100 pupils, who were formally received by Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna after being handed over by the Office of the National Security Adviser. The fate of the remaining children, however, remained unclear until Sunday’s confirmation that all captives had been freed.

Niger Abduction Toll Climbs To 315 As Families Confront Another National Security Failure

The abduction sparked outrage beyond Nigeria’s borders, drawing international attention to the country’s security challenges. The incident occurred amid a wave of kidnappings across several states, including Kebbi and Kwara, raising renewed concerns about the safety of schools and worship centres.

While the government has not disclosed details of how the children were freed, officials say efforts are ongoing to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and prevent a repeat of such attacks.

For families in Papiri, the release marks the end of weeks of fear, and the beginning of a difficult healing process.