The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The development comes days after suspected terrorists stormed the school on November 21, 2025, abducting pupils, secondary school students, and staff.
Earlier, 50 pupils had escaped from captivity and have since been reunited with their families.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, had previously confirmed that 303 persons, comprising pupils, students, and staff, were initially believed to have been kidnapped.
The figure was later reviewed to 315 after accounting for additional 12 staff members.
In a statement issued in Minna by his media aide, Prince Dan Atori, the Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, clarified that while 50 pupils escaped, 141 were never abducted. This left “236 pupils, another three children belonging to staff, 14 secondary school students, making 253 children—as well as 12 staff members still with the abductors.”
With the Federal Government confirming the release of 100 children, the number still in captivity now stands at 153 pupils and 12 teachers.
As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the release, whether through negotiations, rescue operations, or other interventions, remain unclear.
However, sources confirmed that the rescued children are undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing and will be reunited with their families on Monday.
