Amanze Chinonye
One hundred students abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, have been rescued and formally handed over to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, even as more than 150 others remain unaccounted for following one of the country’s largest mass kidnappings in recent years.
The rescued children were received on Monday at Government House, Minna, by Governor Bago after they were handed over by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, who represented the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The handover followed coordinated efforts by federal security agencies, according to verified reports compiled by Prime Business Africa.
“We will continue to come up with policies to ensure the safety of every Nigerian child,” the NSA’s representative said, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening community-level security.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelParents in Anguish, Waiting for Confirmation
While news of the rescue brought relief nationwide, many parents remained uncertain about the whereabouts of their children.
“I just saw the news on social media. Nobody has contacted me,” said Yunusa Kabukaya from Rafin Tala village, whose 11-year-old daughter, Magret, is still missing. “I’m desperate to know if my daughter is among the rescued students.”
Some parents said the lack of official communication had worsened their ordeal.
“We only know of the 100 students on the internet,” said Dauda Gwanja, whose 15-year-old son was kidnapped. “I don’t know if my child is among them. Our lives have not been the same since the incident. My wife has refused to eat since then.”
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A Violent Attack and Massive Kidnapping
On November 21, more than 300 pupils and 12 staff were seized when gunmen stormed St Mary’s Catholic School before dawn. About 50 students managed to escape shortly after the attack, but there had been no confirmed updates on the others until Monday’s rescue announcement.
Some of the kidnapped students were as young as six years old. The rescued group, according to church officials, was expected to arrive in Minna before being handed over to school and church authorities for identification and reunification.
Government Welcomes Release, Says Efforts Ongoing
Describing the return of the 100 children as “fundamental in redefining the history of Niger State,” Governor Bago thanked President Bola Tinubu, the NSA and security agencies for their intervention. He pledged that the state would remain focused on securing the release of the remaining captives.
“We will continue to pray and work tirelessly for the recovery of the remaining children in captivity,” he said. “We will ensure they are reunited with their parents soon.”
Following the ceremony, the rescued students were taken to Kontagora for reunification with their families.
Security Fears and International Pressure
The mass abduction has reinforced public anger over worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs routinely target schools for ransom. The country has witnessed repeated school kidnappings since the 2014 Chibok abduction of 276 girls by Boko Haram, which triggered global outrage.
The latest attack has once again placed Nigeria under international scrutiny. A U.S. congressional delegation was in Nigeria on Monday to discuss security cooperation, following President Donald Trump’s earlier threat of military action over the treatment of Christians in the country.
Welcoming the rescue, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore said Washington and Abuja had agreed to establish a joint Nigeria–U.S. task force aimed at strengthening counterterrorism operations.
“I want to thank National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu for a productive and positive conversation,” Moore said. “Concrete steps have been discussed that could destroy terrorist organisations in northeast Nigeria and stop the killing of Christians.”
He described the rescue of the 100 children as “a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation,” but added that significant work remained.
More Than 150 Still Missing
Despite Monday’s breakthrough, a large number of abducted students and teachers remain in captivity. Authorities have not clarified the method of the rescue whether through negotiations, security action, or ransom leaving families in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
Security analysts warn that without stronger intelligence networks and strict enforcement of school safety directives, Nigeria risks further attacks on vulnerable rural institutions.
As rescue operations continue, families across Niger State wait for the call that will tell them whether their children are among those freed—or still in the hands of armed groups.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
