Joy in Niger State as Federal Government Secures Release of 100 Abducted Catholic School Pupils

Abuja, Nigeria—A wave of relief and cautious celebration swept through Nigeria on Monday as federal authorities confirmed the rescue of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The successful operation, which comes over two weeks after the mass abduction, marks a significant breakthrough in the country's ongoing efforts to tackle widespread insecurity.

Breakthrough After Two Weeks in Captivity

The pupils were part of a larger group—initially numbering 315 victims (303 students and 12 teachers)—seized by armed bandits who stormed the remote boarding school on November 21, 2025. The attack, which began around 2:00 a.m. and lasted nearly three hours, forced the captives into surrounding forests.

While approximately 50 pupils escaped shortly after the initial attack, 265 victims remained in captivity until this weekend's development.

Sources close to the rescue operation indicate that the 100 released children have arrived in Abuja and are undergoing necessary medical evaluations and debriefing before being safely reunited with their families.

Intensified Rescue Operations

The rescue follows an intensified, coordinated response from the Federal Government. This national effort included:

Deployment of Ground Troops: Security agencies, including military forces and police tactical units, were deployed to comb dense forest corridors spanning Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states.
Aerial Surveillance: Military aircraft conducted sustained aerial surveillance over suspected hideouts.
Executive Oversight: The gravity of the crisis led President Bola Tinubu to cancel scheduled international engagements to personally oversee the national security response.

Focus Remains on Remaining Captives

While the release of 100 children is a joyous moment, the crisis is far from over. With this breakthrough, 153 pupils and all 12 teachers remain missing and their fate remains unclear.

The security agencies have reassured the public that rescue operations are ongoing and remain the top priority. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, though yet to receive official notification from the government, expressed immense hope, stating, "It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return."

The incident highlights the urgent need for a decisive and lasting security strategy to protect students and communities in vulnerable regions of Nigeria.