Overview
- Presidential spokesmen Sunday Dare and Bayo Onanuga said 130 pupils from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State were released, asserting no one remains in captivity.
- Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the release of 130 victims, saying further details on unaccounted individuals will follow.
- Authorities say the children will be taken to Minna for medical checks and reunification with families, with final verification of totals still pending.
- Tally disputes persist: CAN has said 315 students and staff were abducted on Nov. 21, about 50 escaped shortly after, and roughly 100 were freed in early December.
- No group has claimed responsibility; officials have not disclosed how the release was secured, and analysts note ransom payments are common in past cases despite being illegal.