Nigeria St. Mary’s Catholic School Mass Abduction Incident (2025)

The Mass Abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Nigeria is a large-scale hostage incident that occurred on 24 November 2025 when armed individuals attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri settlement of Niger State, resulting in the abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers and staff members.

Background of the Incident

On the night of Friday 24 November 2025, armed assailants launched an attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri settlement of Niger State, Nigeria. Local police reported that the assault occurred around 02:00. Initial reports indicated a lower number of abducted individuals, but subsequent verification confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers and staff members were taken.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced that at least 50 of the abducted students managed to escape between Friday and Saturday. In a statement, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, President of CAN in Niger State, said: “Though we are relieved that these 50 children escaped, I urge all of you to continue praying for the release and safe return of the remaining victims.” According to the same statement, the escaped students were subsequently reunited safely with their families.

Family Reactions and the Situation Around the School

Following news of the abduction, numerous parents gathered at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Amose Ibrahim, whose three children attended the school, told Reuters: “Unfortunately, my children were not among those abducted.” In the same statement, Ibrahim described the chaos around the school: “Right now, many parents and relatives are wandering around the school grounds.”

Reactions from the State and International Community

Following the incident, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers to address inadequate security measures. He also directed that police assigned to VIP protection units be redeployed to frontline law enforcement duties.

Pope Leo, in a statement on Sunday, called for the immediate release of the abducted students and teachers. The Pope said: “I urgently appeal for the immediate release of the hostages. I feel profound sorrow for the many young men and women taken and their grieving families.”

Other Attacks in the Region and Security Conditions

Four days before the abduction, 25 female students were kidnapped and the deputy headmistress was killed in an attack on a girls’ dormitory in the town of Maga in Kebbi State. During the same week, an attack on a church in Kwara State resulted in at least two deaths and the abduction of 38 people, who were later rescued by Nigerian security forces. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) described such attacks as “a cruel and serious violation of children’s rights.”

Security Measures and Search and Rescue Operations

Local authorities and security agencies have launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation to locate the abducted students. The operation involves police, military, and volunteer local hunter groups operating in surrounding forested areas. The identities of the attackers have not yet been established, and no group has claimed responsibility so far. The Niger State administration has ordered the temporary closure of all schools in areas deemed high-risk for security.

Political and International Implications of the Incident

International reactions intensified following the incident. U.S. President Donald Trump, in remarks concerning attacks on Christians in Nigeria, threatened military intervention against the country. The Nigerian government rejected these claims and emphasized that armed groups in the country target not only Christians but also Muslims. Officials stated that the attacks are linked to regional security challenges and resource conflicts rather than religious motivations.

Release of Hostages in Nigeria

In Nigeria, 130 students and school staff abducted by armed individuals in November 2025 were released on 21 December 2025 following a coordinated security and negotiation process. The incident has been assessed within the context of a recent increase in mass abductions, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions of the country. Authorities confirmed that all released individuals have been transported to safe areas and subjected to medical evaluations.

The Abducted Individuals

According to official statements, the abducted individuals included students and school staff. The total number of those taken was reported as 130. It was confirmed that all abducted persons were civilians and that the attack specifically targeted an educational institution.

The Release Process

Security and Negotiation Efforts

Nigerian authorities stated that security forces worked in coordination with local mediators during the hostage release process. Limited details about the operation were shared, with officials noting that operational specifics were not disclosed to the public for security reasons.

Some sources indicated that the release resulted from a combination of military pressure and negotiation efforts. Authorities emphasized that ensuring the safety of the hostages was the top priority throughout the process.

Completion of the Release

On 21 December 2025, officials announced that all 130 abducted individuals had been released and handed over to authorities. The released persons were reunited with their families, their general health condition was reported as good, and they underwent precautionary medical examinations.

Official Statements

Security Forces Assessment

Following the incident, Nigerian police and security agencies announced that security measures around schools and rural areas would be strengthened. They also stated that field security and early warning systems would be enhanced to prevent similar abductions.

Government Position

After the release of the hostages, the Nigerian government emphasized that mass abductions continue to constitute a serious threat to national security. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting educational institutions and continuing the fight against armed groups.