Relief and joy returned to families in Papiri community on Sunday as the last batch of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School were released. This marked the end of a traumatic month-long ordeal that gripped Niger State and the nation at large.
The final group of 115 students regained their freedom, bringing the total number of rescued children to about 265. The students had been seized during a brutal attack on the boarding school on the early morning of November 21, 2025. Armed gunmen stormed the school, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers in one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent Nigerian history.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen entered the school compound at dawn, firing sporadically into the air to intimidate students and staff. Panic spread as children ran for cover, but many were rounded up and forced into vehicles by the attackers. Local residents immediately raised the alarm, prompting security agencies to begin rescue operations.
In the immediate aftermath, 50 students managed to escape on their own, returning to the community terrified but unharmed. Another 100 students were rescued on December 8 following intense efforts by security agencies, including the police, military, and intelligence units. These operations involved tracking the abductors through surrounding forests and negotiating safe release points.
The release of the remaining 115 students on Sunday brought immense relief to families and residents of Papiri. Parents and guardians who had been living in fear and uncertainty expressed gratitude to security forces and government officials for their persistent efforts. Many families had feared the worst as weeks passed with little information about the children’s whereabouts.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the release but did not disclose details about whether any ransom was paid. A police spokesperson said, “All the abducted students of St. Mary’s School have regained their freedom. Security agencies worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. The release of the last batch brings relief to families and the state at large.”
The school abduction in Papiri is part of a growing trend of attacks on educational institutions in northern Nigeria. In recent years, schools in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger have been repeatedly targeted by armed groups seeking ransom. These attacks have caused school closures, disrupted education, and instilled fear among students and parents.
In Papiri, the community has struggled to come to terms with the attack. Teachers, students, and parents described sleepless nights and constant anxiety during the month the children were in captivity. “It was a very painful time for all of us,” said one parent who declined to be named. “Every day we prayed for the safety of our children. Now we thank God that they are all back.”
Security agencies involved in the rescue operations described the mission as complex, involving intelligence gathering, negotiations, and coordinated tracking of the abductors across difficult terrain. Officials noted that while some students were released voluntarily by their captors, others were retrieved through direct security operations.
The Niger State government has also commended the resilience of the children, parents, and teachers. In a statement, the state governor said, “The release of all the kidnapped students is a welcome development. We will continue to work with security agencies to ensure that our schools are protected and that children can study without fear.”
Community leaders in Papiri and surrounding areas have urged families to return to normal routines while remaining vigilant. They have also called for increased security patrols around schools, especially in rural areas, to prevent future attacks.
The abduction of St. Mary’s students underscores a broader security challenge facing Nigeria’s northern states. Armed groups continue to exploit weak security in remote communities, making education a target and causing widespread anxiety among residents. Human rights organizations and civil society groups have consistently called for stronger protection of schools and more proactive measures to prevent kidnappings.
The release of the final batch of students is seen as a major breakthrough by security agencies, offering hope that coordinated rescue efforts can succeed even in large-scale abduction cases. Families are now focused on the safe reintegration of the children, many of whom endured physical and emotional stress during captivity.
The St. Mary’s incident has reignited national conversations about school security. Parents, educators, and policymakers are demanding more robust measures to ensure the safety of children, including improved school fencing, security personnel, and timely intelligence on potential threats.
As of Sunday, families of the rescued students were reunited with their children amid celebrations, prayers, and tears of relief. The Papiri community, while still shaken, expressed gratitude to security agencies, faith leaders, and all who contributed to the safe return of the students.
The abduction and subsequent rescue of St. Mary’s Schoolchildren in Niger State serve as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria. While the ordeal is over, authorities and communities continue to seek ways to ensure that schools remain safe havens for learning rather than targets for criminals.