Nigerian government secures release of 100 kidnapped schoolchildren: sources, local media

Nigeria's government has secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were abducted last month in Niger state, local broadcaster Channels Television reported on Sunday.

The Christian Association of Nigeria has said 303 children and 12 school staff were kidnapped on November 21 by gunmen at St Mary's Catholic boarding school in Papiri.

Fifty pupils managed to escape in the following hours, but since then there had been no update on the whereabouts or conditions of the other children, some as young as six, and the missing school staff.

Channels Television did not immediately provide details about the release.

Presidency confirms the release of abduction victims

A source told AFP news agency that the released victims of abduction will be "handed over to Niger state government tomorrow (Monday, December 8, 2025)."

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare also confirmed the release to AFP.

The school attack put a spotlight on insecurity in Nigeria, more than 10 years after the Chibok girls' abductions.