All the pupils kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community of Niger State have regained their freedom, following the release of the last batch of 130 children, which brings the total number of freed victims to 230.
Officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed the development to journalists on Sunday, ending days of fear and uncertainty that gripped parents, relatives, and the wider community.
The successful return of the children marks a major breakthrough for the security agencies involved in the operation and brings relief to families who had endured anxious moments since the abduction.
The pupils were taken after armed attackers stormed the boarding school, an incident that triggered nationwide outrage and renewed debates about the vulnerability of schools and students amid Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Authorities explained that the release of all the abducted pupils was the result of sustained security pressure and coordinated efforts by relevant agencies, although they declined to provide specific details on how the operation was carried out.
The episode has once again intensified calls from education stakeholders, parents, and civil society groups for stronger security measures around schools and more decisive actions to prevent similar incidents in the future, as concerns about insecurity continue to dominate national discussions.
What you should know
The abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, highlighted persistent security challenges facing educational institutions in Nigeria.
Armed groups have increasingly targeted schools, leading to public outrage and demands for urgent reforms. The release of all 230 children represents a significant success for security agencies and offers relief to affected families.
However, the incident has reinforced calls for better protection of schools, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger preventive measures to ensure the safety of students nationwide and restore confidence in the country’s education system.
