Christmas Miracle as Kidnapped Catholic Schoolchildren Regain Freedom in Nigeria

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has confirmed the safe release of the remaining children abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, bringing relief and joy just days before Christmas.

The abduction occurred in late November when gunmen stormed the Catholic boarding school in the rural community, kidnapping 303 students and 12 staff members, one of the largest school abductions recorded in recent months in Nigeria.

A first batch of about 100 abductees was released in early December following negotiations and security efforts, raising hopes that the remaining captives would also regain their freedom before the end of the year.

Those hopes were fulfilled over the weekend when Nigerian authorities confirmed the release of another 130 schoolchildren, effectively ending the captivity of all those taken during the attack.

The development was announced by the presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, who said all abducted pupils from the Catholic school had now been freed, as images of smiling children circulated widely on social media.

“Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity,” Dare said in a post on X, describing the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing security efforts.

“The government is grateful to all agencies and partners involved, and we reassure Nigerians of our continued commitment to securing the release of victims of criminal activities across the country,” the spokesperson added.

The release has been widely described as a Christmas miracle by families, church leaders, and observers, coming amid renewed concerns over mass kidnappings in Nigeria, where criminal gangs and armed groups continue to exploit security gaps despite ongoing countermeasures by authorities.