Breaking: Remaining 130 Kidnapped Niger Catholic School Pupils Released
- The remaining students and teachers kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Rafi local government area of Niger State, have been released
- The kidnapped schoolchildren and staff members of the Catholic school regained their freedom on Sunday, December 21, 2025
- Legit.ng reports that terrorists raided and kidnapped pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, in the north-central state
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Niger State - The final group of 130 abducted pupilsand staff members of the St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Rafi local government area, Niger State, have been released.
Legit.ng reports that armed bandits raided St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, abducting many students and staff.
Source: Original
Security sources struggled to provide details as panic spread in the community, and families feared for their children. The attack followed the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi State, prompting presidential orders for rescue and heightened vigilance.
Authorities said the release of all the victims was achieved through sustained security pressure and coordinated efforts by relevant agencies.
They did not, however, disclose details of the operation after the release of the kidnapped victims.
As reported by Vanguard, officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) made this known to newsmen on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
According to Premium Times, a security official familiar with the rescue operation confirmed that those released account for all the remaining victims.
Sources said the freed students and teachers are currently being transported to Minna, the Niger State capital, where they are expected to undergo medical checks and reunite with their families.
FG secures release of 100 Niger Catholic schoolchildren
Recall that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were abducted by some gunmen in the north-central state of Niger State.
In late last month, the kidnappers attacked the St. Mary's Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in the Agwara LGA of the state.
During the attack, which happened on Friday, November 21, 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted by the bandits.
Read more stories on kidnapping:
- Kebbi: Panic as Bandits Hit School, Shoot Principal, Kill VP, Abduct Female Students
- Jubilation as Kidnapped Kebbi Schoolgirls Regain Freedom
- Kebbi Governor Idris Receives Rescued 25 Maga Schoolgirls, Says No Ransom was Paid
- Kebbi Govt Releases Names of Abducted Schoolgirls, Counters US Lawmaker’s Claim
- “Who Ordered You to Leave 45 Minutes Before Attack?” – Kebbi Gov Questions Military
Ribadu gives fresh updates on Niger school abduction
Legit.ng also reported that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held a strategic engagement with the Christian Association of Nigeria, parents, and staff of the abducted Niger students.
Ribadu assured that the abducted students and staff are in good condition and will soon be reunited with their families.
He emphasised that the federal government is committed to stopping terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
Source: Legit.ng
