Niger Schoolchildren Freed as President Orders Rescue of Remaining Captives

Relief swept through Niger State as 100 children, formerly abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, were safely returned and reunited with their families.

The freed pupils, part of a larger group taken on November 21, were welcomed at the State Government House in Minna under tight security. Their release follows an earlier escape by 50 students, raising hopes for the safe return of the remaining captives.

Governor Umar Bago expressed gratitude to the federal government and security agencies for their efforts and called on development partners to support the children’s reintegration and wellbeing.

President Bola Tinubu hailed the rescue of the 100 pupils and directed security forces to intensify efforts to free the remaining 115 students and teachers still believed to be in captivity. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reuniting all victims with their families and strengthening security at schools nationwide.

Authorities describe the November 21 attack on the Papiri school as one of the deadliest abductions in recent years, prompting renewed calls for stronger protection of educational institutions across the country.