A total of 265 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Niger State, Nigeria, have been released, ending a month‑long ordeal. The final batch of 115 students was freed on Sunday after a series of rescue efforts by security agencies.
The abduction occurred on 21 November 2025, when armed gunmen attacked the boarding school in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area, seizing 303 students and 12 teachers. It was one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent Nigerian history, sparking widespread concern and prompting a swift response from authorities. In the aftermath, 50 students managed to escape on their own, and another 100 were released on 8 December 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, focusing on negotiations and rescue operations. The successful release is seen as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in the region. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the northern areas where kidnapping and armed attacks have become increasingly common. The government has pledged to increase security measures and protect citizens, especially in vulnerable places such as schools.
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.
Comments are closed for this story.