The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant breakthrough in the harrowing case of mass abduction in Niger State, securing the freedom of 100 schoolchildren. The pupils were among the hundreds taken from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in the remote community of Papiri, Agwara Local Council.
The Midnight Raid and Mass Kidnapping
Armed bandits launched a brazen attack on the educational institution in the early hours of November 21, 2025. According to reports, the assailants arrived on motorbikes around 2:00 a.m. and operated unchallenged for approximately three hours. They forcefully entered the school dormitories, seizing a total of 315 individuals. The victims included 303 students and 12 teachers from the Papiri community.
Rescue Efforts and Partial Success
Following the attack, a combined team of security forces and local community hunters was immediately deployed. Their mission was to comb the dense surrounding forests in a desperate search for the abductees. The operation saw an early success when 50 pupils managed to escape within the first 24 hours of the incident. These children were safely reunited with their families.
However, the situation remained critical, with 265 people still held in captivity. This group consisted of 253 children and all 12 teachers. The recent intervention by the Federal Government has now led to the safe recovery of 100 of these schoolchildren, marking a crucial step forward but leaving many still in the hands of the bandits.
Ongoing Concerns and Government Action
The release of the 100 children is a result of sustained pressure and negotiations, though details of the operation remain sensitive for security reasons. This incident highlights the persistent threat posed by bandit groups in Nigeria's north-central region, particularly targeting vulnerable educational facilities. The government's success in this phase of the rescue brings hope but also underscores the urgent need to secure the freedom of the remaining 153 students and 12 teachers. Authorities have assured the public that operations will continue relentlessly until every captive is brought home safely.
