After over two weeks in terrorists’ den, 100 students among those abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, have regained freedom.

According to Channel TV, the federal government facilitated the release of the students. However, neither the state nor the federal government has confirmed the report.

Two days after the abduction, 50 of the schoolchildren escaped from their captors, leaving about 250 in captivity.

Sunday’s reported release brings the total number of students who regained freedom from their captors to 150.

However, the Niger chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Monday that it had not received any information about the students’ release.

The chairman of CAN in Niger, Bulus Yohanna, said in a statement by his media aide, Daniel Atori, that the association, the community, and grieving families are still hopeful of the students’ safe return.

“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return. If it is true, then it is cheering news,” said Mr Bulus.

He added, “However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released.”

Bandits had attacked the school on November 21, 2025, kidnapping 303 students and 12 teachers, out of which 50 pupils escaped two days later and were reunited with their families.