Nigerian government releases 100 kidnapped schoolchildren

Nigeria says it has secured the release of one hundred schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger state, last month.

The kidnapping occurred on 21 November when gunmen stormed the boarding school, taking twelve staff members and dozens of pupils. Survivors say fifty children managed to flee within hours, but the whereabouts of the remaining children – some as young as six – remained unknown.

Channels Television, which first reported the development, offered no details about how the children were freed. Neither the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) nor Niger state officials have been formally notified, and the federal government declined to comment.

“We are not officially aware and have not been duly notified by the federal government. We hope and pray it’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released,” said Daniel Atori, spokesperson for the head of CAN in Niger state.

The assault has revived memories of the 2014 Chibok abductions, reminding the region that insecurity persists more than a decade later. It also comes as the United States, under President Donald, scrutinises Nigeria’s treatment of Christian communities.

On Sunday, a U.S. congressional delegation met Nigeria’s national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja. Ribadu said the discussions focused on counter‑terrorism cooperation, regional stability and strengthening the Nigeria‑U.S. security partnership.

Ghanaians watch the unfolding events closely, given shared security challenges across West Africa’s borders. Any lasting solution will require coordinated regional efforts to protect schools and prevent future kidnappings.

Authorities in Nigeria have promised to verify the release and continue negotiations for the remaining victims. The public and regional partners await further confirmation and a clear plan to safeguard children in the future.

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