The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Bandits had attacked the remote community on 21 November 2025, arriving around 2:00 a.m. on motorbikes. Over a three-hour operation, the gunmen stormed school dormitories and abducted 315 people consisting of 303 students and 12 teachers.
Security forces and community hunters were immediately deployed to comb surrounding forests, while 50 pupils managed to escape within the first 24 hours and were reunited with their families.
Despite the early breakthrough, 265 victims—including 253 children and the 12 teachers—remained in captivity.
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government imposed a 24-hour security cordon and launched extensive aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara States. President Bola Tinubu also cancelled planned international engagements to focus on the situation.
Authorities subsequently ordered the indefinite closure of all schools in Niger State and several federal institutions in high-risk areas as part of heightened security measures.
Further updates are expected as efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
