Mon Dec 22 02:43:02 UTC 2025: Summary:
Gunmen abducted 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state, Nigeria on November 21, 2025. 50 students escaped soon after the abduction, and 100 were released earlier in December. On December 21, 2025, Nigerian authorities secured the release of the remaining 130 students and staff following a military intelligence operation. While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicion falls on armed gangs known for kidnapping for ransom in northern Nigeria. The release follows increased pressure on President Bola Tinubu, including allegations from U.S. President Donald Trump about the targeting of Christians. The released students are expected to arrive in Minna, the state capital, on December 22, 2025, to reunite with their families for Christmas.
News Article:
130 Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolchildren Released in Military Operation
Abuja, Nigeria – December 22, 2025 – The remaining 130 schoolchildren and staff kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state last month have been freed, Nigerian authorities announced yesterday. The release follows a military intelligence-driven operation, according to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Gunmen stormed the school in the Papiri community on November 21, seizing at least 303 students and 12 teachers. Fifty students managed to escape shortly after the abduction, and 100 were released earlier this month.
Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the release, stating, “A total number of 130 victims, including the staff, have been released.” However, he noted that further details regarding the fate of 35 still unaccounted-for schoolchildren and missing teachers will be communicated later.
The released students are expected to arrive in Minna, the state capital, today to be reunited with their families in time for Christmas.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the mass abduction, local sources point the finger at armed gangs notorious for kidnapping for ransom in the conflict-ridden northern region of Nigeria.
The incident and subsequent pressure, including allegations from U.S. President Donald Trump about the targeting of Christians, have put President Bola Tinubu under increasing scrutiny.
Nigerian authorities have not commented on whether a ransom was paid for the release. Arrests in such cases are rare, leading to speculation that ransoms are often negotiated, although officials typically deny such payments.
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