Florence Michael, one of the 100 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri in Agwara LGA, Niger State, has described the harrowing conditions of their captivity.

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Details of the Ordeal

• Pupils were forced to lie on a trampoline inside thick bush near a river.
• Kidnappers threatened them, saying any noise would lead to beatings and prolong their captivity.
• Children were kept under strict surveillance, with constant warnings to remain silent.

“They told us if we make noise, they would beat us and we would not go back home,” Florence said.

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Rescue Operation

• The children were released by the kidnappers and recovered by security forces around 7 pm on Sunday, between Lumma and Wawa towns in Borgu LGA.
• Transported via New Bussa–Mokwa–Bida–Minna road to Minna, the state capital.
• The operation was coordinated by:
  • Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
  • Department of State Services (DSS)
  • Armed Forces
  • Other federal and state security agencies
• National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, handed the children over to the Niger State government.
• Governor Umaru Bago described the rescue as a huge relief for parents and the state.

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Government Response

• Short-term protection strategies for schools in high-risk areas have been rolled out.
• Long-term plans involve community-driven security initiatives, in collaboration with:
  • State governments
  • Traditional rulers
  • Religious leaders

Ribadu stressed that insecurity will not be allowed to compromise any child’s right to education.

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Background

• The kidnapping occurred on November 21, 2025, when terrorists stormed the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
• Multiple sources, including local government officials, confirmed the coordinated abduction of students and teachers.