The remaining schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State have regained their freedom.
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, is expected to receive the freed pupils and teachers at the Government House in Minna on Monday.
Naijaonpoint recalls that terrorists had on November 21, 2025, abducted a total of 315 pupils and teachers from the school during a night attack on the Papiri community.
Two days after the abduction, 50 pupils reportedly escaped from the terrorists’ den and reunited with their families. About two weeks later, on December 8, another batch of 100 abducted pupils regained their freedom.
Exactly 13 days after the release of the 100 pupils, the remaining 165 abductees, including teachers, have also been released.
The spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a conversation with PUNCH.
“I can confirm that the schoolchildren have been released, but I cannot give further details. I will keep you updated,” Abiodun said.
He, however, did not disclose the exact number of those freed.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State, Bulus Yohanna, also confirmed the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Speaking through his media aide, Daniel Atori, the bishop said Governor Bago personally informed him of the release.
“The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said that Governor Umaru Bago called him a few minutes ago to confirm the release of the children and teachers.
“However, the figure was not mentioned as they are expected in Minna tomorrow (Monday) and to be received by the Governor in the government house,” he said.