How remaining abducted 130 Niger children freed nearly a month after being kidnapped -Presidency

…Dare shed more light
…Catholic secretariat confirms release

The remaining 130 schoolchildren kidnapped by gunmen from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, have finally regained their freedom.

The Presidency has also explained how the schoolchildren abducted by terrorists on November 21, were released.

President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday night said the abducted schoolchildren have now been released.

“They are expected to arrive in Minna on Monday and rejoin their parents for the Christmas celebration. One hundred were released earlier by the terrorists, taking the total of freed students to 230.

“The freedom of the schoolchildren followed a military-intelligence driven operation,” Onanuga said without providing further details.

It is however, expected that the development may have been spear-headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose office (ONSA) led the multi-stakeholders’ operations hat led to the rescue of the 100 of the kidnapped victims.

…Dare shed more light
Another presidential spokesman, Mr Sunday Dare, in a post on X, accompanied by a photograph showing the smiling children late Sunday said, “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity.”

He, however, did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding their release.

The students were taken in November when armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s Private Catholic School, abducting a total of 303 children and 12 teachers, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The victims included both boys and girls, some as young as 10.

Less than 48 hours after the abduction, 50 students managed to escape and return to their families, CAN said at the time.

Also, earlier this month, the Federal Government announced that security forces had rescued 100 of the kidnapped victims.

Dare’s post on Sunday put the last students being held at 130, slightly fewer than were thought to remain in captivity.

The November abduction was the latest in a wave of attacks by armed groups targeting vulnerable civilian populations, particularly schools, and carrying out mass kidnappings for ransom.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consequently ordered deployment of ground troops and aerial surveillance to parts of Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states to track the kidnappers.

This was after federal government colleges, some state-owned schools and federal institutions in high-risk areas were also temporarily closed. Some were yet to be re-opened before the closure was extended as part of the end of the year break.

Violence in part of the country has repeatedly erupted from communal and ethnic tensions, as well as from disputes between farmers and herders over limited access to land and water resources.

…Catholic secretariat confirm release
Confirming the release of the abducted schoolchildren, the National Director Directorate of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, shared a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Kantagora, Niger State.

The press release dated 21st December, 2025 was signed by Rev. Fr. Jatan Luka Joseph, the Diocesan Secretary.

“The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora wishes to formally inform the public that the release of the second batch of those abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, has been confirmed as of Sunday, 21st December 2025.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Niger State Government, the security agencies, and all other partners whose efforts and interventions contributed to the safe release of the victims. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the parents, guardians, clergy, religious communities, humanitarian organizations, and the wider public for their prayers, support, and solidarity throughout this challenging period,” Rev. Fr. Josheph said.

He said that further updates and additional information, as may be necessary, will be communicated to the public in a timely manner through appropriate and authorized channels to ensure accuracy, transparency, and clarity in all official statements.

He assured that the Diocese remains committed to keeping all stakeholders fully informed as the situation develops and verification processes are completed.

He said, “We appreciate the prayers, solidarity, and understanding shown by parents, guardians, the Church, media organizations, and the general public throughout this difficult period. The cooperation and responsible reporting by the media are particularly acknowledged.

“The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora remains committed to the protection, welfare, and safety of all pupils, students, and staff, and will continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment.”

Rev. Fr. Josheph prayed God to grant swift release of those still in captivity and continue to protect the people from all dangers.