In a significant breakthrough, the Federal Government on Sunday announced the release of 100 abducted students taken during the recent mass kidnapping in Niger State.

The development comes days after it was reported that 50 pupils out of the 303 abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, had escaped and reunited with their families.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State confirmed the figures, revealing disturbing updates about the scale of the abduction. According to CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, whose statement was issued by media aide Prince Dan Atori, initial figures were revised as more details emerged.

CAN stated that out of the school population, 141 pupils were never abducted, while 50 escaped, leaving 236 pupils, three children of staff, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members in captivity — a total of 265 people.

However, with the federal government's rescue of 100 students, the number of victims still in the custody of the attackers now stands at 153 students and 12 teachers.

The mass abduction, carried out by suspected terrorists on November 21, 2025, has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools across Nigeria.

Authorities say efforts to rescue the remaining victims are ongoing, with security agencies intensifying operations in the affected communities.