Tinubu Niger pupils freed breakthrough as 100 abducted pupils return home while operations intensify for the remaining hostages
President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday welcomed the release of 100 abducted pupils from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State, nearly three weeks after the children were seized in a mass kidnapping that shocked the country.
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The pupils, aged between five and ten, were handed over to Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago at the Government House in Minna by the representative of the National Security Adviser, Abdullahi Hong.
The Tinubu Niger pupils freed development followed sustained security pressure and intense negotiations after the 21 November 2025 attack in Agwara Local Government Area.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, through the proprietor of the school and state CAN chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, confirmed that 227 students and 12 teachers were taken during the raid. Although 50 children escaped within the first 48 hours, 115 pupils and 12 teachers remain in captivity.
Emotions ran high at the Government House as anxious parents, officials and security personnel cheered the arrival of the 100 children at about 5.30 pm.
Many appeared visibly malnourished but relieved to regain their freedom, drawing tears from Governor Bago, who vowed that every remaining child would be rescued.
Governor Bago thanked the President, the NSA and development partners, including UNICEF, for what he described as a powerful collaborative effort.
He added that the state’s medical team had begun examining the children before they would be reunited with their families. He assured parents that CAN would play a central role in the safe handover.
In his formal reaction, President Tinubu directed security agencies to intensify immediate operations to secure the release of all remaining pupils and teachers.
He said that Nigeria must never again allow schoolchildren to become targets for violent groups.
The President noted that the Federal Government was working closely with state authorities to strengthen school security nationwide.
He insisted that coordinated security operations must prevent future kidnappings, describing the protection of children as a national obligation.
The release came after a three-day fasting and prayer session organised by CAN across all 25 local government areas of Niger State.
Christians from multiple denominations gathered in Minna on Sunday to conclude the programme, led by Rev Ezekiel Ibrahim on behalf of Bishop Yohanna.
They prayed for the rescue of all 265 abducted children and teachers, urging communities to unite against insecurity.
Nigeria continues to grapple with mass abductions, with Niger, Kebbi and Kwara recording multiple attacks on schools and worship centres in recent weeks.
The ordeal has revived grim memories of previous mass kidnappings, including the 2014 Chibok abduction and the 2021 Kagara school attack.
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For many in Niger State, the return of 100 children offered a moment of hope, even as the nation braces for the difficult mission to free those still held by their captors.
