On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Nigerian government confirmed that all 130 students and staff remaining in captivity after the mass abduction at St. Mary's Catholic boarding school in Niger State have been freed.
The brazen attack took place in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when gunmen stormed the school in Papiri, seizing more than 300 residents of St. Mary's.
In the aftermath, at least 50 students escaped on their own, while security forces rescued another 100 by December 8, 2025 – prompting President Bola Tinubu to vow that no effort would be spared to bring home those still missing.
Sunday Dare, President Tinubu's spokesman, announced on X that "another 130 abducted Niger State pupils have been released, with none left in captivity." Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga added that the freed students are expected to arrive in Minna, the state capital, on Monday, December 23, and reunite with their families just in time for Christmas. He described the operation as "military-intelligence driven."
Their safe return marks the end of one of Nigeria's largest mass kidnappings in recent history. Across the country, local groups and humanitarian organizations are preparing counseling and community initiatives to support the students' reintegration.
Why it matters:
- Young global citizens will watch for how this resolution shapes security policy in the Sahel.
- Business and tech enthusiasts may explore security innovations – like drones and data analytics – as tools to protect vulnerable communities.
- Thought leaders and changemakers will draw lessons on crisis response and resilience.
- Travelers and digital nomads will note Nigeria's improving security landscape, opening doors for sustainable engagement despite ongoing challenges.
As Nigeria looks ahead to 2026, this coordinated military-intelligence effort demonstrates the impact of resolute action in tackling one of the country's most urgent security threats.
Reference(s):
All Nigerian abducted students freed after mass kidnappingÂ
cgtn.com
