The Federal Government has confirmed the release of the remaining 130 pupils and staff abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, bringing to an end weeks of anxiety for families and communities affected by one of Nigeria’s most disturbing mass school kidnappings in recent years.
The confirmation was made on Sunday by the Presidency, which announced that all those taken during the attack are now out of captivity and undergoing necessary care before being reunited with their families.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough
According to the Presidency, the release of the final batch followed sustained efforts by security agencies working in collaboration with state authorities and other stakeholders. Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare described the development as a major relief, noting that “another 130 abducted Niger State pupils have been released, leaving none in captivity.”
This announcement effectively closes the chapter on the kidnapping, which had drawn widespread condemnation both within Nigeria and internationally.
Background to the Abduction
The pupils were kidnapped in late November when armed men stormed a Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger State, whisking away hundreds of students and teachers. The incident ranked among the largest school abductions Nigeria has witnessed in recent times, reviving fears over the safety of educational institutions, especially in rural communities.
In the days following the attack, dozens of pupils reportedly escaped during the chaos, while others were released in phases after negotiations and security operations. The final group of 130 remained in captivity until this latest breakthrough.
Relief, Caution, and Calls for Reform
News of the complete release has been met with relief and jubilation among parents, religious leaders, and civil society groups. Many, however, have renewed calls on the government to move beyond rescue operations and address the root causes of insecurity, including banditry and weak protection of schools.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that without stronger preventive measures—such as improved intelligence gathering, fortified school security, and community-based surveillance—schools will remain vulnerable targets.
Government’s Assurance
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning. Officials say lessons learned from the Niger State abduction will inform future security strategies, particularly in states prone to similar attacks.
As the freed pupils begin the process of recovery and reintegration, the incident stands as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges—and the urgent need for lasting solutions.
Conclusion
The release of the remaining 130 abducted Niger pupils marks a significant humanitarian and security milestone, offering relief to families and communities who endured weeks of uncertainty. While the successful outcome underscores the importance of coordinated rescue efforts, it also highlights the pressing need for stronger safeguards to prevent future school kidnappings across the country.
References
Al Jazeera. (2025, December 21). Nigeria says 130 kidnapped Catholic schoolchildren freed. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/21/nigeria-says-130-kidnapped-catholic-schoolchildren-freed Al Jazeera
Reuters. (2025, December 21). Remaining 130 abducted Nigerian students have been released, president’s spokesman says. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/more-abducted-nigerian-students-have-been-rescued-police-say-2025-12-21/ Reuters
The Guardian. (2025, December 21). Another 130 kidnapped schoolchildren released in Nigeria. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/21/more-kidnapped-schoolchildren-freed-in-nigeria The Guardian
France 24. (2025, December 22). Nigeria says 130 abducted schoolchildren freed after mass kidnapping. France 24. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20251222-nigeria-says-130-abducted-schoolchildren-freed-after-mass-kidnapping France 24
Sky News. (2025, December 22). 130 children and staff abducted from Nigerian school last month freed ‘in time for Christmas’. Sky News. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/130-children-and-staff-abducted-from-nigerian-school-last-month-freed-in-time-for-christmas-13486536 Sky News
Punch NG. (2025, December 22). Remaining 130 abducted Niger pupils released – Presidency. Punch NG. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/remaining-130-abducted-niger-pupils-released-presidency/ Punch Newspapers
ThisDay Live. (2025, December 22). FG secures release of remaining 130 abducted schoolgirls, teachers in Niger. ThisDay Live. Retrieved from https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/22/fg-secures-release-of-remaining-130-abducted-schoolgirls-teachers-in-niger/ ThisDayLive
Channelstv.com. (2025, December 21). Catholic bishop confirms release of abducted Niger State schoolchildren, teachers. Channels Television. Retrieved from https://www.channelstv.com/2025/12/21/catholic-bishop-confirms-release-of-abducted-niger-state-schoolchildren-teachers/ Channels Television
36NG. (2025, December 21). FG confirms rescue of remaining 130 Niger school abductees. 36NG. Retrieved from https://www.36ng.ng/2025/12/21/fg-confirms-rescue-of-remaining-130-niger-school-abductees/
