The Federal Government has assured that the more than 300 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State are alive and will soon be reunited with their families.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu gave the assurance during a solidarity visit on Monday to Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, proprietor of the school, and to worried parents and members of the school community.
“The children are fine and will be back soon,” Ribadu was quoted as saying. He added: “The children are where they are and will come back safely.”
Ribadu acknowledged the gravity of the situation and called on Nigerians to remain united in the face of such threats.
“Enough is enough. We will not be relentless in our efforts. We are all under attack. Let us not allow bad people to divide us; let us not allow evil to get into us,” he said.
He also said the government enjoys the backing of “international partners … including the United States of America,” as well as “European countries like France, the United Kingdom, and a couple of others” in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
On 21 November 2025, armed men attacked the boarding school in Papiri, a remote community in Niger State, in the early hours of the morning. The assault left a security guard shot, and many pupils, teachers, and staff were taken hostage.
Initial reports had it that there were 227 abductees. After a verification exercise, the school’s overseeing body, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, confirmed that 315 people were abducted: 303 students and 12 teachers.
In a subsequent development over the weekend, CAN announced that 50 of the schoolchildren managed to escape and have since reunited with their families.
According to Bishop Yohanna, the escapees returned home quietly between Friday and Saturday.
Investigation and verification efforts accounted for the remainder; as of the latest update, 265 individuals, including 236 pupils, 14 secondary-school students, 3 children of staff, and 12 staff members, remain in captivity.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Niger State government ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools in the state.
During his visit, Ribadu assured parents and school officials that all available resources are being mobilised to secure the release of the remaining captives. Families were urged to remain calm and hopeful.
He said international partners have pledged support for Nigeria in its efforts against terrorism and banditry.
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