Abuja, Nigeria – Nigerian authorities have secured the release of 100 children who were among hundreds abducted from a Catholic school in northern Nigeria last month, officials and local media reported.
The rescued children arrived in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and are scheduled to be handed over to local government officials in Niger State on Monday, according to an unnamed United Nations source who spoke to AFP.
The handover is part of coordinated efforts between federal and local authorities to ensure the children’s safe return to their families. The abduction, which took place in the early hours last month, drew widespread condemnation both nationally and internationally.
Militants and criminal gangs have increasingly targeted schools in northern Nigeria, causing concern over the safety of students in the region. Security forces launched a series of operations in response, aiming to recover the kidnapped children and apprehend the perpetrators.
Local government officials in Niger State have confirmed that preparations are underway to receive the children. “We are deeply relieved to have the first group of children back,” said a state official requesting anonymity.
“Our immediate priority is to provide medical care, psychological support, and a safe environment for them before reuniting them with their families.”
The Nigerian government has faced mounting pressure in recent years to address the rise in school kidnappings, which have become a persistent security challenge in the north.
Last year, hundreds of children were abducted in similar attacks, prompting emergency measures including increased military presence, surveillance, and community policing initiatives.
UN agencies have been closely involved in the rescue efforts. A spokesperson for the United Nations in Nigeria emphasized the importance of protecting children’s rights in conflict-affected areas. “We welcome the safe release of these children and remain committed to supporting the government and local communities in ensuring their welfare,” the spokesperson said.
The 100 children released are expected to undergo immediate medical assessments to determine any health concerns arising from the abduction.
Child protection experts highlight the psychological trauma that victims may experience after such harrowing events. Counselors and trained social workers are being deployed to assist the children and provide guidance to their families.
Authorities have also warned that some abductors may still be at large, and efforts to secure the remaining kidnapped children are ongoing. Security analysts suggest that kidnappers often target schools to demand ransom or to exert influence over local communities, exploiting vulnerabilities in the region’s security infrastructure.
Local residents expressed relief at the news of the release, with many calling for enhanced security measures to prevent future kidnappings. “We have lived in fear since the abduction,” said one parent whose child is among those rescued. “We pray that all children will be safely returned and that the government strengthens protection for schools.”
The Nigerian police have appealed for public cooperation, urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of other abducted children or the perpetrators to come forward. “Community engagement is crucial,” said a senior police official. “Together, we can prevent further tragedies and hold criminals accountable.”
Human rights organizations have praised the authorities’ swift action, while also emphasizing the need for long-term solutions to tackle the root causes of insecurity. These include addressing poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of armed groups in northern Nigeria.
The release of the children marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat the rise of kidnappings in Nigeria. While challenges remain, the coordinated efforts between government authorities, security forces, and international organizations demonstrate a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and restoring confidence in public safety.
As the children prepare to return to their families in Niger State, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the remaining victims are located and released. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat to education and child safety in parts of northern Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable security strategies.
In the meantime, communities and families across the region remain hopeful that the successful rescue of these 100 children will encourage further action against criminal networks, providing reassurance to parents and students alike.
The Nigerian government has reiterated its vow to tackle school abductions decisively. Officials emphasized that the safety of children is paramount and that collaborative efforts with international partners, including the United Nations, will continue until all affected children are safely reunited with their families.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
