The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 pupils who were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, located in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. Okay News reports that this development comes after weeks of intense negotiations and security operations, although federal authorities have not yet released an official statement.
The school, situated in a remote part of the state, was attacked by gunmen in the early hours of November 21. Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived on motorbikes around 2 a.m., and the operation lasted for nearly three hours. In total, 315 individuals were abducted, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
Reports indicate that approximately 50 pupils managed to escape within the first 24 hours and were safely reunited with their families. This left 265 victims in captivity until recent developments. The safe release of 100 additional students represents a significant breakthrough in ongoing security efforts to combat school kidnappings in the region.
Security analysts have described the operation as a combination of strategic negotiation and tactical interventions, reflecting the government’s determination to ensure the safety of children in vulnerable communities.
The incident has reignited national debates over the safety of schools in remote areas and the urgent need for stronger preventive measures against kidnappings in Nigeria. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the abduction and the identities of the perpetrators.
