One hundred and thirty Nigerian students abducted in Niger State have been released after spending a month in captivity, according to a statement from President Bola Tinubu’s office on Sunday.
The schoolchildren were seized during an attack on their school in November, one of a series of mass abductions that have plagued parts of northern Nigeria in recent years. Authorities confirmed that all the students were freed alive and are now receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
The presidency commended the efforts of security agencies and local authorities involved in securing the release, though it did not disclose whether a ransom was paid or provide detailed circumstances surrounding the negotiations. Nigerian officials often avoid confirming ransom payments, citing concerns that it could encourage further kidnappings.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where armed groups frequently target schools, highways, and villages. Mass kidnappings for ransom have become a major threat in states such as Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina, disrupting education and daily life.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting educational institutions, noting that schools must remain safe spaces for learning. He also urged communities to continue cooperating with security agencies as efforts intensify to dismantle criminal networks responsible for abductions.
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The release has brought relief to families and local residents, many of whom had endured weeks of uncertainty and fear. However, rights groups and education advocates warn that without sustained security reforms and accountability, similar attacks are likely to continue.
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