Emerging reports say the Federal Government has secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were taken from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
On the early morning of November 21, 2025, armed bandits riding on motorcycles stormed the remote boarding school at approximately 2:00 a.m., according to law-enforcement and local sources. The attackers forcefully entered the school’s dormitories and abducted a total of 315 people — 303 students and 12 teachers. The raid lasted for nearly three hours before the gunmen disappeared into the forest.
In the days that followed, a number of students managed to escape. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 50 pupils escaped and reunited with their families.
Rescue and Release Operation
Following the kidnappings, security agencies swiftly mobilized. The Niger State Police Command, along with military tactical units, were deployed to the region to comb forests and suspected hideouts in efforts to rescue the abductees.
Today’s development marks a partial breakthrough: 100 children have been freed and returned to safety. According to the latest official tallies, 153 pupils and the 12 teachers remain in captivity.
While details of how the release was secured have not been publicly disclosed, authorities say the operation represents one of the largest coordinated rescue efforts in recent years.
The release is being welcomed by distraught parents and the wider public as a relief — albeit a limited one. Many still remain fearful for the safety of those still held. The incident — coming just days after another mass abduction in a neighboring state — has once again drawn national and international attention to Nigeria’s mounting security crisis, especially in the north-central and northwestern regions.
The governor of the state, Mohammed Umaru Bago, had earlier condemned the attack, while also reiterating a commitment to safeguard lives and property.
Recall that last week, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that troops rescued at least 318 kidnapped victims and neutralised scores of terrorists during major operations conducted across the country in November.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Abuja on the military’s monthly operational updates.that troops carried out clearance missions, intelligence-led raids, and targeted air and maritime strikes across the North East, North West, North Central, South East and South South regions, resulting in significant operational gains. He added that 69 criminal elements and their family members voluntarily surrendered to security forces.
“In a major boost to security, 318 kidnap victims were rescued, and oil theft worth over N217.6 million was thwarted,” he said. Troops also recovered 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, and dismantled 16 illegal refining sites during the month.
Breakdown by Regions
North East (Operation HADIN KAI):
Troops eliminated several terrorists, arrested six collaborators, and rescued five kidnap victims in Borno and Adamawa states. Air support missions destroyed multiple terrorist camps and strengthened ground operations.
North West (Operation FANSAN YAMMA):
Operations across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi states led to the neutralisation of numerous terrorists, the arrest of 13 suspects, and the rescue of nine victims. Air interdictions also destroyed terrorist logistics and hideouts.
North Central (Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE):
Troops apprehended 32 suspects, neutralised multiple extremists, rescued 20 kidnap victims and recovered several arms and vehicles in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi states and the Federal Capital Territory.
South South (Operation DELTA SAFE):
Security forces blocked oil theft activities valued at N12.12 million, destroyed four illegal refining sites, and arrested 25 suspected oil thieves.
South East (Operation UDOKA):
Troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested four suspects, rescued four kidnap victims, and destroyed terrorist camps and logistics facilities.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja commended the troops for their professionalism and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations. He also called for public support for military veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched earlier in the week.
