Around One Hundred Abducted Schoolchildren Freed in Nigeria After Weeks in Captivity

Around one hundred children who were kidnapped from a Catholic school in central Nigeria last month have been released, according to authorities, bringing a wave of relief to families who have spent weeks in anguish. The children were among more than two hundred fifty students and twelve staff members taken from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, one of the most recent and most alarming mass abductions in the region.

Niger State’s police chief, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, confirmed the development alongside Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who oversees the school as the local leader of the Catholic community. Both officials said that the president’s national security adviser had verified the release, although many details remain unclear. Bishop Yohanna explained that he did not yet know where the children were being held or when they would be reunited with their families. He added that the authorities may need time to carry out medical evaluations, process the students and provide support before announcing a formal handover to parents.

The kidnapping took place in early November and immediately triggered outrage across Nigeria, where school abductions have become a recurring tragedy. Armed groups have increasingly targeted schools to obtain ransom payments, putting thousands of children at risk and forcing many institutions to close. For the families of Papiri, the weeks of waiting were marked by fear, uncertainty and calls for stronger action from national authorities.

At this stage, questions remain about how the release was secured. Officials have not disclosed whether the children were freed as a result of negotiation, a military operation or other forms of intervention. It is also unknown whether any payments were made, although authorities in Nigeria often avoid confirming any negotiations with armed groups to deter future kidnappings. Bishop Yohanna said he did not take part in discussions and had not been informed about what conditions, if any, were involved.

The governor of neighboring Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, told local media that the federal government had played a central role in securing the children’s freedom. He emphasized that the details could not be shared publicly due to ongoing security concerns and the need to protect future operations. His comments suggest a coordinated national effort that involved intelligence and negotiation teams working quietly behind the scenes.

Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited Papiri and met with Bishop Yohanna and other community representatives. During the visit, Ribadu assured local leaders that the students would soon be rescued and reunited with their families. His remarks were intended to offer reassurance amid growing frustration from relatives who had waited for updates and lived with the fear of worst case scenarios.

Although the release marks a significant victory, community members say their relief will only feel complete when the children return home safely. Many parents are still waiting anxiously for news about their sons and daughters, while leaders continue to press for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks on schools.