100 Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolchildren Released as Uncertainty Persists for Remaining Captives

News of the release of 100 kidnapped Nigerian schoolchildren has brought a wave of relief across the country, but uncertainty remains as 165 students and staff from St. Mary’s co-educational boarding school are still believed to be in captivity. The children were abducted in late November when gunmen stormed the school in Niger state, taking 315 people in a mass kidnapping that revived painful memories of the 2014 Chibok abductions. Around 50 escaped shortly after the attack, leaving 265 unaccounted for until this latest development.

The newly freed children arrived in Abuja and are expected to be officially handed over to Niger state authorities. A United Nations source confirmed their arrival, saying, “They are going to be handed over to Niger state government tomorrow.” Local media also reported the release, though details remain unclear regarding whether it resulted from negotiation, rescue operations, or other means. The fate and condition of the remaining hostages have not been confirmed.

Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare corroborated the release, marking a rare moment of progress in a security landscape overwhelmed by kidnappings. Meanwhile, Daniel Atori, spokesman for Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora diocese that oversees the school, urged caution. “We have been praying and waiting for their return, if it is true then it is a cheering news,” he said. “However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified by the federal government.”

Why Are Kidnappings Still Surging Across Nigeria?

Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity driven by diverse threats ranging from jihadist insurgents in the northeast to armed bandit groups across the northwest. Kidnappings for ransom have become one of the most persistent crises, with criminal networks using abductions to generate rapid cash flow. November alone saw a wave of nationwide kidnappings, targeting Muslim schoolgirls, church worshippers, farmers, a bride and her bridesmaids, and entire families.

The motives behind the St. Mary’s abduction remain unknown. However, the scale and coordination mirror previous mass kidnappings that have turned ransom abductions into a deeply entrenched criminal enterprise. According to SBM Intelligence, kidnappers in Nigeria raised approximately $1.66 million between July 2024 and June 2025, illustrating how financially incentivized the networks have become.

International attention has also intensified. Recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging that Christians in Nigeria are victims of “genocide” and threatening potential military intervention have added geopolitical pressure. The Nigerian government and independent analysts have rejected the genocide framing, pointing out that the country’s conflicts—stretching across religious, ethnic, and territorial lines, affect both Christians and Muslims. Analysts have warned that such statements might embolden armed groups seeking leverage or visibility.

What Happens Next for the Remaining Hostages?

While the release of 100 schoolchildren brings hope, Nigeria faces enormous challenges in securing the freedom of the 165 remaining victims. Some analysts speculate that armed groups may be attempting to keep hostages as potential human shields, especially amid concerns over possible U.S. airstrikes. Local officials in Borno state have said groups may be preparing for this scenario as U.S. surveillance flights have recently been observed over known insurgent strongholds.

Nigeria’s history of mass abductions, including the widely condemned 2014 Chibok kidnapping, underscores how deeply rooted the crisis has become. The St. Mary’s attack follows a decade-long pattern in which large-scale kidnappings have become a grim business model for armed groups. Waves of abductions in recent years reveal how fragile the security environment remains, despite government efforts and international pressure.

The return of these 100 children offers a moment of relief, but it also highlights the ongoing urgency of addressing Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis at its structural roots. Until law enforcement capacity strengthens and armed networks lose their financial incentives, communities across the country remain at risk. For the families of the remaining captives, hope endures—but so does the uncertainty, as Nigeria continues to confront one of its most complex and devastating security challenges.

By Lucky Anyanje