The Federal Government has confirmed the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. The children were part of the 315 people seized when armed bandits invaded the school on November 21.
The attackers, who arrived on motorbikes around 2:00 a.m., operated for over three hours, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers. Although 50 pupils escaped within the first day, 265 victims, including 253 children, remained in captivity, prompting a massive search operation by security forces and local hunters.
Authorities intensified aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara States, while President Bola Tinubu cancelled scheduled international travel to coordinate the national response. The state government also ordered the indefinite closure of all schools in Niger State amid heightened security concerns.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining children and teachers still held by the kidnappers. Further updates are expected as operations continue.
