A total of 265 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Niger State, Nigeria, have been released, marking the end of a month-long ordeal. The final batch of 115 students was freed on Sunday, following a series of rescue efforts by security agencies.
The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when armed gunmen attacked the boarding school in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, seizing 303 students and 12 teachers. The incident was one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent Nigerian history, sparking widespread concern and prompting a swift response from authorities.
In the aftermath of the abduction, 50 students managed to escape on their own, while another 100 were released on December 8, following sustained security operations. The release of the remaining 115 students brings the total number of rescued children to 265, providing relief to families and communities affected by the incident.
The Nigerian government and security agencies have been working to secure the release of the abducted students, with efforts focused on negotiations and rescue operations. The successful release of the students is seen as a major breakthrough in the efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry in the region.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions where kidnapping and armed attacks have become increasingly common. The Nigerian government has pledged to increase security measures and protect citizens, especially in vulnerable areas such as schools.
The release of the students is a significant development in the case, and authorities are expected to continue investigating the incident and working to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The international community has also been monitoring the situation, with many organizations and governments expressing concern over the rise of kidnapping and terrorism in the region.
