All schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, have been released, bringing an end to a month-long traumatic ordeal for students, teachers, and their families.
The final batch of 115 students were freed on Sunday, bringing the total number of rescued children to approximately 265. Their release marks a major breakthrough for security agencies and provides relief to families who had endured weeks of anxiety and uncertainty.
The abduction occurred in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when armed gunmen attacked the boarding school. A total of 303 students and 12 teachers were seized in what has been described as one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent Nigerian history.
Following the attack, 50 students reportedly managed to escape on their own shortly after the incident, while another 100 students were released on December 8, after sustained security operations by law enforcement agencies.
Security officials have been praised for their continued efforts to secure the release of the remaining students. The safe return of the children has been welcomed by parents, community leaders, and the general public, who expressed gratitude for the dedication of the personnel involved.
The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing schools in parts of Nigeria, especially in areas vulnerable to armed attacks and abductions. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff, and to preventing similar attacks in the future.
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