All Abducted St. Mary’s Schoolchildren in Niger State Regain Freedom
DECEMBER 21, 2025
BY AYINDE ADELEKE
All schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been released.
The final batch of 115 students was freed on Sunday, bringing the total number of rescued children to about 265, officials confirmed.
The students were kidnapped on November 21, 2025, when armed gunmen attacked the boarding school in the early hours of the morning. During the assault, 303 students and 12 teachers were taken, in what became one of the largest mass school abductions in recent Nigerian history.
Shortly after the incident, 50 students escaped on their own. Another 100 students were released on December 8 following sustained security operations by government forces and other stakeholders.
Shortly after the incident, 50 students escaped on their own. Another 100 students were released on December 8 following sustained security operations by government forces and other stakeholders.
The release of the remaining students brings an end to a month-long ordeal for the affected families. Authorities have commended the efforts of security agencies involved in the rescue operations, while assuring the public of continued measures to enhance safety around schools.
