Relief swept through Shiroro community in Niger State on Sunday as the remaining 130 students abducted from St. Mary Catholic School were released by their captors, bringing to an end weeks of anxiety for their families.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed the development, stating that the release followed sustained security pressure and coordinated efforts by relevant agencies. With the latest release, all 230 students taken during the attack have now regained their freedom, after 100 were earlier freed.
Bandits had stormed the school in a brazen operation, carting away the students without resistance, an incident that sparked public outrage and exposed lapses in security around educational institutions. The abduction also triggered a blame game between the Niger State Government and the school’s management over responsibility for security failures.
Security sources said operatives remained relentless in pursuing the abductors since the incident, describing the outcome as a result of persistent engagement and pressure on the criminal group.
It was not immediately clear whether ransom was paid to secure the students’ release. The abductors had reportedly demanded ransom earlier, but officials declined to comment on the details of negotiations.
Meanwhile, civil society groups, parents and education stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger protection of schools, particularly in vulnerable communities, urging authorities to implement decisive measures to prevent a recurrence of mass abductions targeting students.
The latest release adds to growing demands for a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s educational institutions amid persistent threats from armed groups.
All Abducted St. Mary’s Catholic School Students Regain Freedom in Niger
