Niger State, December 09, 2025
The Nigerian government has secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger state, following their mass kidnapping on November 21, 2025. This development marks a significant step in addressing the ongoing security crisis affecting education in the region.
Release of the Schoolchildren
The 100 released pupils had been held since a mass kidnapping incident when armed gunmen abducted 303 children and 12 school staff members from St Mary’s Catholic boarding school. While 50 of the children managed to escape shortly after the abduction, the majority remained in captivity until this recent release confirmed by a presidential spokesperson.
The government plans to hand over the freed schoolchildren to the Niger state authorities for recovery and necessary support services. These efforts reflect a coordinated response aimed at reuniting and rehabilitating the victims of the crime.
Background on the Abduction
The attack on the boarding school occurred on November 21, 2025, when gunmen stormed the campus, forcibly taking hundreds of children and staff. The number of kidnapped children initially stood at 303, accompanied by 12 school staff abductees. This was one of Nigeria’s largest school kidnapping incidents in recent years, drawing considerable national and international attention.
The escape of 50 pupils shortly after the initial abduction provided some relief; however, the safety and whereabouts of the remaining schoolchildren became a major concern, prompting government and security agencies to intensify negotiation and recovery efforts.
Wider Security Context
This incident is emblematic of the persistent insecurity challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly those impacting the education sector. Kidnappings targeting schools have become a recurrent issue, with this event recalling earlier high-profile abductions such as the Chibok girls over a decade ago.
The ongoing threat to education not only endangers lives but also disrupts learning and undermines community confidence, underscoring the critical need for enhanced security measures and effective responses to safeguard schoolchildren across Nigeria.
The release of the 100 schoolchildren stands as a hopeful sign amid these challenges, albeit highlighting the continuing urgency of addressing security threats that jeopardize the welfare and education of Nigerian children.
Rehabilitation and support for the released pupils will be crucial in helping them recover from their ordeal and reintegrate into society, and ongoing vigilance will remain necessary to prevent future kidnappings.