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, ending weeks of anxiety for their families and the wider community.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed the development, explaining 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 an earlier release of 100 students.
The abduction occurred when bandits stormed the school in a brazen operation, carting away the students without resistance—an incident that sparked public outrage and exposed security lapses around educational institutions. The attack also triggered a blame exchange between the Niger State Government and the school’s management over responsibility for the security failure.
Security sources said operatives remained relentless in pursuing the abductors since the incident, describing the outcome as the result of persistent engagement and pressure on the criminal group.
It was not immediately clear whether ransom was paid to secure the students’ release. Although the abductors had reportedly demanded ransom, officials declined to comment on the details of any negotiations.
Meanwhile, civil society groups, parents, and education stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger protection of schools, particularly in vulnerable communities. They urged authorities to implement decisive measures to prevent a recurrence of mass abductions targeting students.
The release has intensified demands for a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s educational institutions amid persistent threats from armed groups.
