Nigerian families embrace their children in tearful reunions after the release of abducted pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Security forces secured the release of the final 130 pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on December 21, bringing every one of the 230 captives home just days before Christmas.
Terrorists stormed the boarding school in the dead of night on November 21, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers in one of Nigeria’s largest school kidnappings in recent years.
Chaos initially inflated the count to over 315, but authorities later confirmed the verified figure at 230 after dozens escaped independently and early releases occurred.
The nightmare unfolded in phases. Roughly 50 young students broke free on their own during the early days of captivity.
Security operations then freed the first major group of about 100 on December 7–8, delivering them safely to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in Minna.
Intense military and intelligence efforts continued relentlessly.
On December 21, authorities handed over the remaining 130—mostly younger pupils and several teachers—to state officials in Minna amid cheers and prayers.
Families flooded the Government House grounds, where joyful embraces replaced weeks of anguish.
These powerful images capture parents and villagers weeping with relief as they hold their children again after the long ordeal.
The Federal Government hailed the outcome as a triumph.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris described it as “a fitting end to the year” and extended wishes for healing and a Merry Christmas to the families.
Church leaders, including Bishop Bulus Yohanna of Kontagora Diocese, thanked God for answered prayers and reaffirmed their commitment to safer schools.
While no group claimed responsibility and details of the operation remain limited, the safe return of all victims stands as a rare beacon of hope amid Nigeria’s persistent banditry crisis.
Today, on Christmas Day 2025, the children of Papiri celebrate not just the holiday, but the priceless gift of coming home.
