All 265 schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, have regained their freedom, bringing an end to one of the most disturbing mass kidnappings of students in recent Nigerian history.
The final batch of 115 pupils was released on Sunday, weeks after armed men stormed the Catholic boarding school and whisked hundreds of children away in the early hours of November 21, 2025. The release completes a phased rescue process that began shortly after the abduction and has now reunited all affected students with their families.
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Ejes Gist News reports that the successful release followed sustained security operations involving multiple agencies, intelligence coordination, and prolonged negotiations aimed at securing the safe return of the children without further harm.
Timeline of the Abduction
The kidnapping occurred when heavily armed attackers invaded the school compound in Papiri, a rural community near the Niger–Kebbi border. The assailants reportedly overpowered local security and school guards before moving swiftly through the dormitories.
During the attack:
- 303 students were initially abducted
- 12 teachers were also taken
- The incident marked one of the largest school-related kidnappings recorded in Nigeria
In the immediate aftermath, confusion and panic spread across the community as parents struggled to confirm the safety of their children.
Early Escapes and First Releases
Shortly after the abduction, authorities confirmed that about 50 students managed to escape on their own while being transported by the kidnappers. The children reportedly fled into nearby bushes under cover of darkness and later found their way to safety.
Security operations intensified in the days that followed, leading to the release of approximately 100 students on December 8, 2025. Officials described that phase of the rescue as a breakthrough, noting that the freed pupils were in stable condition, though visibly traumatised.
The remaining 115 pupils were held in captivity until the final release, which has now brought closure to the crisis.
Final Release of 115 Pupils
The release of the last group of abducted children on Sunday was confirmed by security sources and local authorities in Niger State. The pupils were received by government officials, security personnel, and medical teams before being handed over to their families.
Preliminary checks indicated that:
- All released pupils were alive
- No fatalities were recorded among the abducted children
- Medical and psychological evaluations were initiated immediately
Officials described the outcome as a significant relief, particularly for families who had endured weeks of uncertainty and fear.
Response from Security Agencies
Security agencies involved in the operation described the rescue as the result of coordinated efforts across multiple fronts, including intelligence gathering, ground operations, and community engagement.
While details of the operation remain restricted for security reasons, officials confirmed that:
- No military confrontation occurred during the final release
- Efforts prioritised the safety of the children
- Negotiations played a role alongside pressure from security forces
Authorities have maintained that investigations into the perpetrators are ongoing.
Relief for Families and Community
Scenes of emotional reunions played out in Papiri and surrounding communities as parents and guardians received their children after weeks of anguish.
Many families had camped near government offices, churches, and security formations, holding vigils and prayer sessions throughout the period of captivity. Community leaders described the final release as a moment of collective relief and gratitude.
Local residents noted that the incident had deeply affected schooling, livelihoods, and social life in the area, with many families temporarily relocating during the crisis.
Catholic Church Reacts
The Catholic Church, which owns and manages St Mary’s Catholic School, welcomed the release of all abducted pupils and expressed gratitude to security agencies, community leaders, and all parties involved in securing their freedom.
Church officials reiterated calls for:
- Improved security around faith-based and boarding schools
- Greater protection for children in vulnerable communities
- Stronger collaboration between government and local institutions
The church also emphasised the need for trauma counselling and long-term support for the affected students.
Government Position
The Niger State Government acknowledged the release and described it as a major security success, while reiterating its commitment to protecting schools across the state.
Government officials stated that measures are being reviewed to prevent a recurrence, including:
- Enhanced security surveillance around schools
- Community policing initiatives
- Intelligence-sharing with neighbouring states
The federal government has also been briefed on the development, given the scale of the abduction and its national implications.
Wider Context of School Abductions in Nigeria
The Niger State incident adds to a long list of school-related kidnappings that have plagued parts of northern and central Nigeria over the past decade.
Security analysts note that:
- Schools in rural areas remain high-risk targets
- Boarding institutions are particularly vulnerable
- Criminal groups increasingly view mass abductions as leverage for negotiations
Although recent efforts have reduced the frequency of such attacks in some regions, the Papiri abduction underscored ongoing gaps in school security.
Calls for Structural Reforms
Following the release, civil society groups renewed calls for:
- Stronger enforcement of the Safe Schools Initiative
- Dedicated security funding for educational institutions
- Early-warning systems in high-risk communities
Education advocates stressed that repeated school kidnappings continue to undermine access to education and contribute to school dropouts, especially among girls and children from low-income families.
Health and Psychological Support for Freed Pupils
Medical teams have begun assessing the physical and mental wellbeing of the freed children. Officials confirmed that arrangements are being made for:
- Trauma counselling
- Medical follow-up
- Gradual reintegration into school life
Education authorities indicated that academic adjustments may be introduced to help the pupils recover lost learning time.
What Happens Next
Security agencies have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend those responsible for the abduction. Officials said intelligence from the rescue operation could aid future counter-kidnapping strategies.
For now, attention remains focused on the recovery of the children and the restoration of normalcy in Papiri and neighbouring communities.
The release of all 265 abducted Niger Catholic schoolchildren marks a significant moment of relief, but it also renews national debate on school safety, rural security, and the protection of children in conflict-prone areas.
