Nigerian Authorities Secure Release of 100 Schoolchildren Abducted from St. Mary’s School

Nigerian authorities have successfully negotiated the release of 100 schoolchildren who were kidnapped from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state last month, according to local media reports. The release was confirmed by Channels Television on Sunday, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn international attention and condemnation.

The abduction, which occurred on November 21, had reportedly involved as many as 303 children, according to earlier statements from Mary Barron, the superior general of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA). Barron had described many of the victims as “tiny” children, some as young as 6 years old.

Following the initial kidnapping, approximately 50 students managed to escape over the following weekend by walking until they found familiar surroundings, Barron told media outlets. Prior to this announced release, 253 students and 12 teachers were believed to be in captivity. It remains unclear how many hostages will remain in captivity following this release.

The kidnapping at St. Mary’s is part of a broader pattern of violence against Christians in Nigeria, which has prompted the United States to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.” The situation has drawn sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, who expressed anger over the Nigerian government’s response to the crisis.

“I’m really angry about it,” Trump said on November 23. “What’s happening in Nigeria is a disgrace.”

The kidnapping incident comes against a backdrop of escalating religious violence in Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted schools, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative criminal enterprise in several Nigerian states, with schools frequently targeted due to their vulnerability.

In response to the situation, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Nigerian National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu to discuss potential consequences if Nigeria fails to protect its Christian population. According to Pentagon statements, Hegseth emphasized that continued U.S. aid to Nigeria might be contingent on the government taking decisive action to stop violence against Christians.

“Hegseth emphasized the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians and conveyed the Department’s desire to work by, with, and through Nigeria to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

Nigeria’s security challenges have intensified in recent years, with various armed groups including Boko Haram and bandits operating in different regions of the country. The north-central state of Niger, where the St. Mary’s School kidnapping occurred, has seen numerous incidents of mass abductions, highlighting the ongoing security crisis.

Security analysts have noted that while some kidnappings are ideologically motivated, many are primarily criminal enterprises designed to extract ransom payments. The Nigerian government has struggled to effectively address the security situation despite increased military operations in affected regions.

The release of the 100 schoolchildren represents a positive development, though concerns remain for those still in captivity. Nigerian authorities have not disclosed whether a ransom was paid or what conditions were met to secure the children’s freedom, a common practice to avoid encouraging further kidnappings.

Human rights organizations continue to call for improved security measures around educational institutions in vulnerable areas and for addressing the root causes of the ongoing violence in Nigeria.