Sunday, July 19, 2026

FG hails release of Catholic school pupils

FG says the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger is a reaffirmation “of our nation’s resolve to protect its people”.

• December 22, 2025
Photo used to illustrate the story {Photo Credit: National Catholic Register}

Information minister Mohammed Idris says the release of the remaining 130 children and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger, is a reaffirmation “of our nation’s resolve to protect its people”.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday.

He said, “As it is, the federal government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity.

“The just-released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger state government, after which they will be reunited with their families.

“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people.”

He added that the federal government empathises with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them.

The minister wished them a pleasant family reunion and a speedy recovery.

(NAN)

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