Despite the release of 100 abducted pupils from a Catholic school in Niger State, scores of children remain in captivity, deepening concerns over the persistent threat of mass school kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed on Monday that 100 schoolchildren kidnapped last month from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community have regained their freedom. Their release reportedly took place over the weekend.

According to the Associated Press, Daniel Atori, spokesperson for CAN in Niger State, said the freed pupils would be transported to Minna, the state capital, for an official reception.

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Hundreds Abducted, Many Still Missing

On November 21, armed men stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School at about 2:00 a.m., abducting at least 303 pupils and 12 teachers after moving from one dormitory to another for nearly three hours. The attackers, travelling on motorbikes, herded their captives into the surrounding forests.

Around 50 students managed to escape in the immediate aftermath, but the majority remained missing until the latest release.

It is still unclear how the 100 children were freed or whether any kidnappers were arrested. No armed group has claimed responsibility, though locals blame bandit gangs notorious for kidnapping schoolchildren and travellers for ransom across northern Nigeria.

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Government Response Under Scrutiny

Nigerian authorities have been largely silent on rescue efforts, and arrests linked to mass school abductions remain rare. There have also been unconfirmed reports of ransom payments, which officials have not addressed.

While families have expressed relief at the partial release, more than 100 pupils remain in captivity, highlighting the worsening risks faced by schools and communities in the region.

Earlier reports indicated that the Nigerian government responded by imposing a 24-hour security cordon around border communities and deploying both ground troops and aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states.

The kidnapping—one of the largest in recent years—has once again exposed the fragility of security in Nigeria’s conflict-affected northern states and the ongoing challenge of securing the safe return of all victims.