All students and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in Nigeria’s central Niger State have now been released, according to government officials, bringing an end to one of the country’s worst recent mass kidnappings.
Nigerian authorities confirmed that the remaining 130 schoolchildren and teachers taken from St Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri have been freed. The abduction took place on 21 November, when armed attackers stormed the school and kidnapped more than 250 people.
The federal government described the development as a “moment of relief and triumph,” stating that no pupil remains in captivity.
Niger State Police Commissioner Adamu Abdullahi Elleman said the rescued students and staff are currently undergoing security checks and medical assessments. They are expected to return to their school and reunite with their families on Monday.
The Catholic bishop overseeing the area, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, also confirmed the release, saying he had been informed by the state governor and asked to formally receive the freed pupils and teachers.
Confusion Over Numbers Clarified
Earlier this month, authorities had announced the release of around 100 children, but confusion remained over how many people were still being held. On Sunday, a presidential spokesperson said the total number of freed individuals had reached 230.
Police later clarified that initial figures provided by the school were inaccurate, and that the 130 recently released individuals accounted for all remaining abductees.
It has not been publicly disclosed how the latest release was secured, and officials have declined to say whether any ransom was paid.
Images released by the government showed children smiling and waving after their release. The students are expected to be transported to Minna, the Niger State capital, before returning home.
Pattern of School and Worship Attacks
The kidnapping at St Mary’s was part of a wider wave of attacks targeting schools and places of worship in northern and central Nigeria.
Just days before the Papiri abduction:
- 38 people were kidnapped during an attack on a church in Kwara State
- 25 students were abducted from a girls’ secondary school in Kebbi State
All victims from those incidents have since been released.
Security analysts believe most of these kidnappings are carried out by criminal gangs seeking ransom, rather than ideological groups.
Government Pledges Better School Security
Following the incidents, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the government would continue working with state authorities to strengthen security around schools and protect students.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to make learning environments safer and prevent future attacks.