The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has reportedly secured 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, government sources confirmed Saturday.
In a statement issued by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the released children — part of the total abducted during the November 21 raid — are now safely in the custody of their families.
The Papiri abduction, one of the largest in recent memory, involved armed gunmen storming the school in the early hours, reportedly seizing hundreds of pupils and teachers. Initial tallies from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) indicated 303 students and 12 staff were taken; the number later rose to 315.
In previous weeks, 50 of the abducted pupils had managed to escape and reunited with their families, offering a glimmer of hope amidst growing national outrage.
The released children are said to be in good condition, according to the NSA’s office which said all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the remaining hostages.
The patrols by police tactical units and military teams remain deployed around forested areas close to Papiri, as part of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining pupils and staff members still in captivity.
Authorities urge calm and cooperation from communities while condemning the attack as unprovoked and cowardly, promising accountability and stronger protection measures for vulnerable schools across the state.
