For one month, the forest between Niger and Kwara states held the fears of hundreds of Nigerian families. On Saturday, it finally gave them back their children.
The remaining 130 pupils and teachers abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State, have regained freedom, bringing a traumatic chapter to a close and confirming that no victim remains in captivity.
Security sources said the final batch was released deep inside a forest corridor linking Niger and Kwara states, an area long suspected to serve as a transit and holding zone for armed groups.
Armoured Personnel Carriers and vehicles belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) were seen conveying the freed victims under heavy security to Minna, where they are to be formally handed over to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
A Kidnapping That Shook the Nation
The nightmare began on November 21, when gunmen stormed the Catholic school in Papiri, abducting 280 pupils and teachers in one of the largest school kidnappings in recent years.
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Fifty pupils escaped in the early days of captivity. On December 7, the Federal Government secured the release of 100 students through non kinetic engagement. That left 130 still missing, as anxiety mounted and hope thinned.
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Their eventual freedom came as a surprise Christmas relief to parents who had begun to fear the worst.
Residents of New Bussa and Babana confirmed seeing white buses moving under escort on Saturday, while some children were reportedly evacuated from areas linked to the National Park forests, a terrain increasingly exploited by criminal groups.
Inside the Rescue Effort
A senior security official, speaking in confidence, said the final breakthrough followed intensive negotiations that began late Thursday night.
“Everyone is relieved that the nightmare is over. The government has kept its promise,” the official said.
“The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, coordinated all agencies, leading to this success.”
The release involved 115 pupils and 15 teachers, all reported to be unhurt, though visibly shaken.
Government Confirms All Pupils Accounted For
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that all abducted pupils have now been freed, describing the development as a fitting end to a difficult year.
“Not a single pupil is left in captivity,” he said.
“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people.”
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare echoed the confirmation in a post on X, sharing images of smiling children and writing, “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity.”
Church, State and Families React
The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the release, saying Governor Bago personally called to deliver the news.
The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the development, promising further details.
Across the country, reactions poured in. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the rescue as heartwarming and proof that “evil will not prevail over Nigeria,” urging the prosecution of those responsible.
A Broader Crisis Still Looms
While Papiri’s ordeal has ended, the wider crisis remains. According to The New Humanitarian, at least 816 pupils have been abducted in 22 school attacks since January 2023, feeding what experts describe as a multi million dollar kidnapping economy.
For now, however, families in Papiri are preparing for reunions once thought impossible.
After thirty days of fear, forests and silence, the children are coming home.
