All Abducted Niger Schoolchildren Freed as Final 130 Victims Regain Freedom

All the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been safely released, ending weeks of anguish for their families and the wider community.

Officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed on Sunday evening that the final batch of 130 pupils and staff had regained their freedom, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 230.

The development marks a major breakthrough for security agencies and brings relief to parents and residents who have lived in fear since the attack. The pupils were kidnapped on November 21, 2025, when armed men stormed the boarding school, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools across the country.

Authorities said the release followed sustained security pressure and coordinated efforts among relevant agencies involved in the rescue operation.

The successful outcome has also reignited public calls for stronger protection of schools and more decisive action to prevent similar attacks in the future.

St. Mary’s Catholic School is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora under the Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province and is managed by the OLA Sisters.