Rescued Niger Schoolchildren Reveal Chilling Ordeal in Captivity

The schoolchildren abducted from St Mary Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State have shared frightening details of their time in captivity after being rescued by security operatives. The children, one hundred in total, were released on Sunday evening in an operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Their release followed weeks of efforts by the military, the Department of State Services and local authorities. It also came after about fifty pupils managed to escape earlier in the incident.

Speaking to journalists, some of the rescued children described the fear and intimidation they endured from their captors. A young girl, identified as Florence Michael, explained how the kidnappers marched them deep into the forest before settling near a river where they were forced to sleep on trampolines.

“We were taken into the forest and bushes before they camped us near a river, and we were made to sleep on a trampoline. They said if we made noise, we would be beaten and killed. They said if we were not calm, we would not go back home,” she said.

Another child, a boy who gave his name as Emmanuel, described the constant threats they faced. “We were threatened with guns not to cry or wail. They were with big guns, and we were in fear throughout,” he said.

Parents of the rescued pupils expressed relief and gratitude as they reunited with their children. Mrs Elizabeth Samuel, whose daughter was among the abducted, said she was thankful for the rescue operation but remained shaken by what her child experienced.

“We thank all those who helped us with their rescue. We thank those who stood for us and prayed for us,” she said.

The children were formally handed over to the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, by the Office of the National Security Adviser, represented by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong. Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks in the region will continue.

The incident has once again highlighted the persistent threat of mass abductions in northern Nigeria and the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities.