Relief and joy have spread across Niger State as the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, have finally regained their freedom, bringing an end to weeks of fear and uncertainty for their families and the nation.
The students were abducted on November 21 when terrorists stormed the Catholic school in Papiri, Niger State, in a late-night attack that shocked the country. The incident was one of the most alarming school kidnappings in recent times, reigniting concerns over the safety of educational institutions in parts of Nigeria.
According to official sources, the final batch of 130 students was released following a military-intelligence driven operation, underscoring the role of sustained security pressure and coordinated intelligence efforts. The freed pupils are expected to arrive in Minna on Monday, where they will be reunited with their parents and loved ones in time for the Christmas celebration.
Earlier in the ordeal, 100 students had been released, raising hopes that the remaining captives would soon regain freedom. With the latest release, the total number of freed students now stands at 230, confirming that all the abducted children have been successfully rescued.
Following their release, arrangements were made for medical checks and psychological support to ensure the children’s well-being before they fully return to their families. Parents and community members have expressed profound gratitude to the security agencies and all those involved in the rescue efforts.
The successful operation has been widely welcomed across the state and beyond, though it has also renewed calls for stronger and more permanent security measures around schools, particularly in vulnerable rural areas. Education stakeholders and civil society groups have emphasized that safeguarding schools is essential to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s education system.
While the safe return of the St. Mary’s schoolchildren marks a major victory against terrorism and banditry, many Nigerians believe it should also serve as a turning point for more proactive strategies to prevent future abductions.
For now, families in Papiri and surrounding communities are focused on celebrating the safe return of their children — a Christmas gift marked by relief, gratitude, and hope.
