Checkout Magazine has learnt that the remaining 130 kidnapped pupils and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have regained freedom. They were rescued unhurt after a month in captivity.
Official figures showed that 280 pupils and teachers were abducted on November 21.
Of the number, 50 escaped, while the Federal Government, through non-kinetic means, secured the release of 100 on December 7.
Security sources said the latest release took place on Saturday in a forest between Kwara and Niger states.
Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and vehicles from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) were seen conveying the abductees, comprising 115 pupils and 15 teachers, to Minna, the Niger State capital.
Residents said some of the children were evacuated from the National Park, a forest reportedly used by terrorists.
New Bussa residents also confirmed sighting white buses moving towards the Babana area on Saturday.
Their release came as a surprise Christmas relief to anxious parents and school staff who had begun to lose hope.
A senior security official, who spoke in confidence, said: “The freed abductees are on their way to Minna under heavy security, where they will be handed over to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
“Everyone is relieved that the nightmare is over. The government has kept its promise to ensure the safe return of these innocent victims.
“The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, coordinated all agencies, leading to this success.”
