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100 Freed Children From St. Mary’s Abduction Handed to Niger State Officials

Officials in Niger State took custody in Minna after a transfer from Abuja, with no explanation yet for how the release was achieved.

Overview

  • AFP reporters saw the children escorted to the Niger State Government House in Minna for medical evaluations ahead of reunions with families.
  • Authorities say 315 people were seized on Nov. 21 from St. Mary’s in Papiri; roughly 153 students and 12 teachers are still unaccounted for.
  • Officials have not identified the kidnappers or clarified whether negotiations, ransom payments or a security operation led to the release.
  • President Bola Tinubu has declared a security emergency and ordered expanded recruitment and operations across affected northern states.
  • International attention is rising, with a visiting U.S. congressional delegation discussing a joint task force and France pledging increased support.