All schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been freed.

The final group of approximately 130 pupils was released on Sunday, bringing an end to a month-long ordeal that began with the kidnapping of over 300 students and staff on November 21, 2025.

Officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed the development to journalists, stating that no children remain in captivity. The release was attributed to sustained security operations and coordinated efforts by Nigerian forces.

The armed attack on the boarding school by gunmen—widely described as bandits—sparked nationwide outrage and heightened fears over the safety of educational institutions in northern Nigeria.

The incident was one of the largest mass abductions since the 2014 Chibok girls’ kidnapping.

Previous batches of pupils had been freed or escaped in the weeks following the abduction, with reports indicating phased releases amid ongoing rescue efforts.

Families in the remote Papiri community, who endured weeks of anguish, expressed profound relief at the news. Security agencies hailed the outcome as a significant victory, though calls continue for enhanced measures to protect schools from future attacks.

Authorities have not disclosed specifics on whether ransoms were involved or the exact circumstances of the final release.

More details to follow as they emerge.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated renowned and award-winning journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju on his appointment as the Director of News at Television Continental (TVC).

He described it as deserving considering his experience, commitment, and long years of service in the media, particularly at TVC.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said Kolade-Otitoju, as an award-winning journalist and seasoned media professional with over 30 years of experience in the sector, has what it takes to deliver effectively in his new assignment.

The Donald Trump’s administration has directed the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to suspend green card and citizenship applications filed by Nigerians and nationals of other countries newly added to the expanded US “travel ban.”

CBS News reported on Thursday that the directive was because of national security concerns and an ongoing review of immigration vetting processes.

This follows a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, further restricting entry into the United States for nationals from countries deemed high-risk due to what it described as “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” that threaten US national security and public safety.

Among the 15 additional countries newly subjected to partial restrictions is Nigeria.

Trump had earlier, on October 31, declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern” following allegations of a Christian genocide in the country.