The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Sunday confirmed that all pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Niger State, have regained their freedom, bringing the total number of rescued children to 230.
Idris described the development as a major relief for the country and “a fitting end to the year,” following weeks of anxiety after the mass abduction.
In a statement personally signed by the minister, he said, “The rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, marks a fitting end to the year.”
He added, “As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity.”
According to the minister, the latest batch of 130 rescued pupils has been handed over to the Niger State Government and will subsequently be reunited with their families.
Idris commended the efforts of the security agencies, noting that the successful operation demonstrated the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence.
“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people,” he said.
He further expressed sympathy for the parents and guardians who endured emotional distress during the ordeal, assuring them of the government’s solidarity.
“The Federal Government empathises with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them, wishes them a pleasant family reunion, a good healing process, compliments of the season and a Merry Christmas,” the statement added.
The confirmation officially closes the chapter on the Papiri school abduction, which had triggered widespread concern over school safety and insecurity in parts of the country.
What you should know
The abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, drew nationwide outrage and renewed attention to insecurity around educational institutions.
Over the course of several weeks, security agencies worked in phases to secure the release of the victims, with earlier batches freed before the final group of 130 pupils and staff regained their freedom.
The Federal Government has consistently maintained that sustained security pressure and coordinated intelligence operations were key to the successful rescue, although specific operational details remain undisclosed.
