CAN Reveals It Has Not Been Officially Notified About Release Of 100 Abducted Niger State Students

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified that it has not received any official confirmation about the reported release of 100 students abducted in Niger State.

Bishop Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of CAN’s Niger State chapter, said in a statement on Monday that while news of the children’s freedom would be welcomed, the association has yet to receive any formal update on their whereabouts.

“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return. If it is true, then it is cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released,” the statement read.

The students were abducted on November 21, 2025, when bandits attacked St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in the remote community of Papiri, taking 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers. Fifty pupils managed to escape the same day and were reunited with their families.

Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the school, assuring authorities and parents that the children were safe and would soon be returned.

Commenting on the reported release on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, retired Major General John Enenche, a former director of media operations at the Defence Headquarters, praised the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts.

“My take is that the government and the security agencies have done a lot, and I believe that Nigerians will be happy for this. I can tell you that it is not easy, whichever way or means were used to get these children out,” Enenche said.