Authorities have reportedly secured the release of 100 pupils abducted in a mass raid on St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The students and staff were originally seized in a pre-dawn attack on November 21, which saw 315 individuals — comprising 303 students and 12 teachers — taken. Within 24 hours of the abduction, 50 pupils managed to escape, reducing the number believed to be in captivity to 265.
A source from Borgu noted that several buses marked “Office of the National Security Adviser” were observed travelling toward Wawa in Borgu Local Government Area, reportedly carrying the rescued children.
Reacting to the development, the church authorities expressed cautious optimism. The school proprietors said: “It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return. If it is true, then it is cheering news.” However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), under the leadership of Bulus Yohanna, added a note of caution: “We are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released.”
The police spokesman in Niger State, as well as the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, declined to confirm or deny the release, stating that official updates would follow in due course.
Earlier this week, the federal government, through its security agencies, pledged to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted children.
As of now, while 100 children are reportedly free, the status of the remaining students and teachers — believed to number roughly 165 — remains unknown pending official confirmation.
