One hundred students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have regained their freedom after more than two weeks in captivity.
The children, looking visibly weak, arrived at Government House, Minna, around 5:15 p.m. on Monday under heavy security. They were handed over to the state government by Wing Commander Abdullahi Hong, who represented the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Hong said the operation that secured their release was coordinated by the Federal Government and executed through a joint effort of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police.
“It was a seamless operation,” he said, adding that over 100 students and staff of the school remain in captivity at an undisclosed location. He did not reveal whether any ransom was paid.
Governor Mohammed Bago expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies for their roles in the rescue. He said the freed students would undergo medical examinations before reuniting with their families.
“We continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining children,” he added.
The school’s proprietor and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Most Reverend Bulus Yohana, had earlier disclosed that 315 persons—including students and teachers—were kidnapped on November 21, 2025, around 2 a.m. Fifty managed to escape shortly after the abduction.
During a visit to Kontagora last week, NSA Ribadu assured that the students were fine and would be released soon. Journalists were barred from interviewing the rescued victims on Monday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu welcomed the development and ordered security agencies to secure the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
“My directive remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians must be rescued and brought back safely,” Tinubu said. “We must account for all the victims.”
The President also instructed security agencies and state governments to strengthen school security nationwide to prevent future kidnappings.
“Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists,” he said.
According to Onanuga, the coordinated efforts of security agencies contributed to Monday’s release and will be intensified until all remaining captives are freed.
Tinubu reaffirmed that the Federal Government will continue working with Niger State and others to make schools safer and more conducive for learning.
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