Nigerian authorities on Sunday said it secured the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, bringing the total number of rescued pupils to 230, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The children were kidnapped in November when gunmen attacked the Catholic boarding school, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of educational institutions. An initial group of 100 pupils had been freed earlier this month.
The Office of the National Security Adviser said the release of the final group followed sustained security pressure and coordinated rescue efforts by relevant agencies.
The development brings an end to days of anguish for the families of the abducted children and marks a significant breakthrough in the operation.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening school security and preventing a recurrence of such attacks, as public calls grow louder for decisive action to curb kidnappings and protect students across the country.
