130 kidnapped Nigerian students freed after one month in captivity

Security Update: Release of Abducted Nigerian Schoolchildren

Release Announcement: After one month in captivity, 130 Nigerian schoolchildren abducted in Niger State have been released, as announced by President Bola Tinubu’s office on Sun, Oct 1, 2023.

The release was achieved through a military-intelligence driven operation. The children are expected to arrive in the state capital, Minna, on Mon, Oct 2, 2023. The children were among more than 300 people kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in Papiri village on Tue, Nov 21, 2023. Some individuals managed to escape immediately, and 100 others were freed earlier this month. Thirty-five students and teachers remain unaccounted for, and authorities will provide further updates.

It was confirmed on social media by another presidential spokesperson that all the students have now been released.

This incident is one of Nigeria’s most severe mass kidnappings in recent years, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria. Armed groups frequently target schools for ransom. The Nigerian government typically remains reserved about rescue operations, and arrests are infrequent. Analysts suggest that ransoms are often paid, although officials do not publicly acknowledge this practice.

Based on reporting by Africanews.