In a significant development addressing Nigeria’s pervasive security crisis, 130 students and educators have been successfully liberated following their abduction in one of the nation’s most extensive mass kidnapping incidents. The victims, who endured captivity for approximately one month, made their first public appearance at a government-organized ceremony in Minna on Monday.
The released individuals exhibited visible signs of physical distress and psychological trauma upon their return, with many showing symptoms of malnutrition and shock. According to official statements from Nigerian police authorities, the rescue operation concluded successfully on Sunday, exactly one month after armed assailants stormed a Catholic educational institution in Niger state’s Papiri community during pre-dawn hours.
Initial reports indicated 303 students and 12 teachers were taken during the assault, with approximately 50 managing to escape shortly after the incident. However, Niger state Governor Mohammed Bago provided revised figures, confirming 230 individuals were originally abducted and all have now been released. Government officials announced coordinated efforts to reunite the victims with their families before Christmas celebrations commence.
While no organization has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, local residents attribute the attack to armed criminal factions that routinely target educational institutions and travelers throughout Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northern territories. These groups typically employ kidnappings as a primary mechanism for extorting ransom payments. Officials remained silent regarding whether financial demands were met to secure the victims’ release.
According to school administration records, most abducted students ranged between 10 and 17 years old. One previously released victim disclosed to Associated Press correspondents that captors threatened to shoot hostages during the initial attack.
Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator at Nigeria’s Center for Counter Terrorism, addressed the ceremony and outlined future security enhancements. The official emphasized strengthened collaboration with community leadership to reinforce protection measures in high-risk regions, acknowledging that school kidnappings have become emblematic of Nigeria’s broader security challenges.