The Federal Government has successfully secured the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State.
With the latest release, all 230 pupils taken during the attack on the Catholic school have now regained their freedom, officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) confirmed on Sunday. The confirmation was given to ARISE News Channel.
The development brings relief to families and the Papiri community after days of fear and uncertainty, and is being described as a significant breakthrough by security agencies involved in the operation.
The pupils were kidnapped on November 21, 2025, when armed men invaded the boarding school, triggering nationwide outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools across Nigeria.
Authorities attributed the successful rescue to sustained security operations and coordinated efforts, as calls continue for stronger protection of educational institutions and tougher measures to prevent future attacks.
The affected schools are managed by the OLA Sisters and owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, under the Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province.
Earlier in December, following the release of 100 abductees, the Congregation Leader of the OLA Sisters, Sr. Mary T. Barron, had confirmed that while some victims had been freed, many others were still being held in harsh conditions.
“At that time, we rejoiced at the news on December 14 that 100 people had been released—14 secondary school students, one staff member, 80 primary pupils and five nursery children,” the statement said.
“However, our joy was mixed with deep concern for the remaining 165 victims—11 staff members, 35 nursery pupils and 119 primary school children, aged between five and 12 or 13—who were still in captivity.”
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