22. December 2025
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Nigeria Secures Release of All 230 Children Kidnapped from Catholic Boarding School
Nigerian authorities have confirmed the successful release of the remaining schoolchildren and staff kidnapped from St Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri, Niger State, marking a major breakthrough after one of the country’s most disturbing mass abductions. The development brings relief to families and communities after weeks of uncertainty and fear.
Quick Insight:
A total of 230 students and staff have now been freed following the November abduction, with authorities confirming that no pupil remains in captivity.
1. What Happened at St Mary’s School
• Armed attackers stormed St Mary’s Catholic Boarding School in Papiri on 21 November, abducting more than 250 students and staff.
• The incident ranked among the largest school kidnappings recorded in Nigeria in recent years.
• In the immediate aftermath, confusion surrounded the exact number of victims taken.
2. Phased Release of the Victims
• Earlier this month, about 100 abducted students were released, offering initial hope to families.
• Authorities have now confirmed the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff.
• Presidential officials stated clearly that “not a single pupil is left in captivity.”
3. Government Response and Security Efforts
• The federal government described the rescue as a “moment of triumph and relief” for the nation.
• Officials have not disclosed details of how the release was secured, citing security concerns.
• Images released by government sources showed freed students smiling and waving, signalling improved morale.
4. Rising Attacks on Schools and Worship Centres
• The Papiri kidnapping occurred amid a surge in attacks targeting schools and religious institutions in north and central Nigeria.
• In the same period, students and worshippers were abducted in separate incidents in Kwara and Kebbi states.
• All victims from those attacks have also since been freed.
Final Thoughts
The full rescue of the abducted St Mary’s students brings closure to a painful chapter for families and highlights both the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges and the importance of sustained efforts to protect learning environments. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to working with states to ensure schools remain safe spaces for children.
Tip: School security remains a national concern. Strengthening community vigilance, intelligence sharing, and school safety infrastructure is critical to preventing future attacks.
