All 230 St. Mary’s pupils freed after kidnapping ordeal in Niger state

By Johnson Arua

The Federal Government has secured the release of all 230 pupils and staff kidnapped from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State, ending a tense standoff that drew national and international concern.

Confirming the development on X, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, wrote: “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity.”

A photo accompanying the post showed smiling children and a relieved caregiver.

The pupils were abducted on November 21 when armed gunmen, riding more than 60 motorcycles and a van, stormed the Catholic school and shot the gatekeeper.

In the following days, some students escaped, while others remained in captivity, prompting nationwide alarm.
Earlier, 100 pupils had been released and received by Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris praised security agencies for the latest rescue, saying it “demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring the safety of citizens.”

The kidnappings follow a worrying pattern across Niger and Kebbi States, including the abduction of 25 girls from a secondary school in Kebbi.

The incidents have drawn global scrutiny, with former US President Donald Trump previously threatening intervention over attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

The Federal Government says the rescued pupils will soon reunite with their families, as authorities continue to strengthen security around schools in affected regions.