The remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted by terrorists from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, have been released, bringing relief to families and the wider community more than a month after the incident.
The release of the pupils, who were taken during an attack on the school on November 21 was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Sunday. The pupils are expected to arrive in Minna, the state capital, on Monday, where they will be reunited with their parents ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
Their release brings the total number of freed students to 230, following the earlier release of 100 pupils by the abductors weeks ago.
The presidency noted the latest release was achieved through a coordinated, military intelligence–driven operation involving sustained pressure on the terrorists, strategic surveillance, and negotiations aimed at securing the children’s freedom without further harm.
The Papiri abduction is one of several mass kidnappings that have targeted schools in recent times, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.
