The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in what has been described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against school kidnappings across the country.
The tragic incident occurred on November 21, 2025, when armed bandits launched a pre-dawn raid on the school dormitories around 2 a.m., catching both students and staff off guard and plunging the parents and the local community into panic and despair. The attackers reportedly arrived on motorbikes, a common tactic among bandit groups in the region, and abducted a total of 315 individuals, including 303 students and 12 teachers, sparking nationwide outrage and immediate calls for urgent government intervention.
Coordinated rescue operations yield results
According to reports, in the immediate aftermath of the attack, 50 students managed to escape captivity within the first 24 hours, finding their way back to safety and reuniting with their families. However, 265 victims remained in the hands of the abductors, prompting an intensive manhunt coordinated by security operatives in collaboration with local vigilante groups and hunters familiar with the terrain of the surrounding forests. The joint operations involved extensive intelligence gathering, deployment of security personnel to strategic locations, and careful planning to ensure minimal risk to the hostages during rescue attempts.
After weeks of persistent efforts and strategic planning, the Federal Government announced the release of 100 schoolchildren, an outcome that has been met with widespread relief and commendation from parents, community leaders, and school authorities. The operation underscored the importance of coordination between government security agencies and local community networks in responding to security threats, particularly in regions where school kidnappings have become increasingly frequent.
Government commitment and ongoing security measures
Officials emphasised that despite the successful release, security operations in vulnerable areas remain ongoing, with increased patrols, intelligence-driven interventions, and community engagement initiatives to prevent future attacks on schools. Authorities reiterated the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities targeting educational institutions and highlighted ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining perpetrators and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for such attacks.
The rescue also highlights the critical role of community vigilance, the cooperation of local hunters, and timely reporting in safeguarding the welfare of children in high-risk areas. Government agencies have urged parents, school administrators, and local communities to continue collaborating with security personnel, stressing that proactive measures and vigilance are essential to ensuring the safety of students and staff across Nigeria.
Impact on the fight against school kidnappings
This latest development serves as a reminder of the escalating security challenges facing schools in parts of Nigeria and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect students. It reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the rising wave of school abductions and ensuring that victims are safely recovered while holding perpetrators accountable. The rescue operation is also seen as a morale booster for communities affected by repeated attacks, reinforcing the message that coordinated action and determination can yield positive outcomes even in the face of severe threats.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, working to identify the remaining victims still in captivity and to bring all members of the criminal gang to justice. The operation serves as both a warning to bandits and a reassurance to parents that the Federal Government is dedicated to safeguarding children’s education and well-being across Niger State and beyond.