Amanze Chinonye
All the remaining 130 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have regained their freedom, bringing to an end one of Nigeria’s largest mass school kidnappings in recent years, Prime Business Africa reports.
The release was confirmed on Sunday by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who said the victims would arrive in Minna on Monday to reunite with their families ahead of the Christmas celebration.
“The remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted by terrorists have now been released. They are expected to arrive in Minna on Monday and rejoin their parents for the Christmas celebration,” Onanuga said in a post on X, adding that their freedom followed a military-intelligence-driven operation.
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The students were among over 300 pupils and 12 staff members abducted by gunmen during a midnight raid on the Catholic boarding school in Papiri village, Agwara Local Government Area, on November 21.
In the aftermath of the attack, 50 pupils escaped on their own, while the Federal Government secured the release of 100 abductees on December 7 through non-kinetic efforts.
According to security sources, the final batch 115 pupils and 15 teachers were rescued on Saturday in a forest area between Niger and Kwara states. Armoured Personnel Carriers and vehicles from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) were seen conveying the freed captives to Minna under heavy security.
Residents of New Bussa and Babana confirmed sighting buses transporting the victims, some of whom were reportedly evacuated from a forest within a National Park believed to be used by terrorists.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the rescue as a significant year-end achievement, confirming that no pupil remains in captivity.
“As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed,” Idris said in a statement.
“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people.”
He added that the children would be formally handed over to the Niger State Government before being reunited with their families, while offering condolences and Christmas goodwill to affected parents.
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare also confirmed the development on his verified X account, writing: “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity.”
The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, separately confirmed the release.
The abduction had sparked widespread outrage over worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently target schools for ransom. School kidnappings surged following the 2014 abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants, underscoring the persistent threat to education and child safety in the region.
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.
