The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed the release of all pupils and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Niger State.

The abductees, kidnapped on November 21, 2025, after gunmen stormed the Catholic boarding school owned by the Diocese of Kontagora and managed by the OLA Sisters, are expected to be officially received by Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna on Monday.

Earlier reports had stated that 165 pupils and staff were still in captivity following the partial release of 100 victims earlier in December. At that time, the OLA Sisters’ Congregation Leader, Sr. Mary T. Barron, said the released group included 14 secondary school students, 80 primary school children, 5 nursery pupils, and 1 staff member.

Through Daniel Atori, media aide to the CAN Chairman in Niger State, the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed that the governor called to verify the release, although the total number of released pupils and teachers was not disclosed.

The official reception in Minna on Monday will mark the reunion of the rescued children and staff with their families and the wider community.