One Hundred Abducted Schoolchildren Freed in Niger State

Solomon Chikezie

Nigerian authorities have confirmed the release of about 100 schoolchildren who were kidnapped from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, nearly a month ago.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, and the local Catholic leader overseeing the school, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said they received official confirmation of the children’s freedom from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
However, Bishop Yohanna noted that the timing of when the pupils will be reunited with their families remains uncertain.

More than 250 students and 12 staff members were seized during the 21 November attack — one of the largest school abductions recorded in the region in recent months. Authorities have not disclosed the current location of the freed children, nor have they confirmed whether the operation involved negotiations, force, or the payment of ransom.

Sources within government say the federal authorities played a decisive role in securing the release, but the details remain under wraps for security reasons. Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule told local journalists that behind-the-scenes efforts were “sensitive” and could not yet be made public.

Last week, NSA Ribadu visited Papiri, assuring anxious parents and community leaders that the children would soon return home. Monday’s news has sparked relief across the community, though families are still waiting for communication from officials on when they can see their children.

The Papiri abduction came amid a surge of coordinated attacks across north and central Nigeria. In the days before the raid on St Mary’s, gunmen struck communities in Kwara and Kebbi states, killing several people and abducting more than 60 others — all of whom have since regained freedom.
New attacks were also reported last week in Kogi and Sokoto states, where worshippers, a pastor, and even a bridal train were seized.

While authorities say criminal gangs are largely responsible, federal officials have insisted that extremist groups may be involved in some of the coordinated operations. Despite a national ban on ransom payments, security analysts believe the practice continues quietly across parts of the country.

Nigeria’s escalating security challenges have drawn renewed international attention, especially after recent comments from foreign leaders regarding religious-targeted violence, a claim Nigerian officials strongly dispute, insisting that victims cut across all faiths and communities.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.