The month-long nightmare for the Papiri community has finally concluded following the release of the remaining schoolchildren kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.
On Sunday, the 21st of December, 2025, the final group of 115 students was liberated, completing the return of approximately 265 children who had been held captive. This development marks the end of a harrowing period that began in late November.
The mass abduction took place during the early hours of the 21st of November, 2025. During the raid on the boarding facility, armed assailants took 303 students and 12 staff members hostage, an event that stood out as one of the most significant mass kidnappings in the country’s recent history.
The rescue of the students occurred in several stages, Initial Escape: Immediately following the attack, 50 students managed to flee their captors and return to safety.
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First Major Release: On the 8th of December, a group of 100 students was freed as a result of intensified security interventions.
The remaining 115 pupils were released this Sunday, the 21st of December.
Security agencies involved in the operations have characterized the successful return of the final batch as a pivotal achievement. For the families in Agwara, the news has brought an immense sense of relief after weeks of uncertainty.