Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have escaped from captivity.
Gunmen attacked the school on Friday night, November 21, 2025 and abducted more than 200 pupils and students, along with 13 teaching and non-teaching staff.
The injured security guard later died from gunshot wounds.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna—who is also the proprietor of the school—confirmed the development in a statement issued by his aide, Daniel Atori, on Sunday. He said the pupils who escaped on Saturday had since been reunited with their families.
“This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23rd November 2025, we have received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” the statement read.
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Rev. Yohanna said the school operates both boarding and day sessions. According to him, the primary section has 430 pupils, out of which 377 are boarders and 53 day pupils.
Providing an update on those still unaccounted for, he explained:
“Currently, aside from the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not taken. As it stands now, 236 pupils, three children belonging to staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members remain with the abductors.”
[3:09 PM, 11/23/2025] SEUN: B/Haram destroys homes, vehicles in Borno community
Hamisu Kabir Matazu, Maiduguri
Boko Haram terrorists on Saturday night attacked Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, destroying several houses and vehicles, including one belonging to the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), however, responded swiftly and repelled the attackers.
Confirming the incident, the Executive Chairman of Magumeri LGA, Hon. Abubakar Abdulkadir Yaro, said the terrorists infiltrated the town under the cover of darkness.
“The terrorists fled the town at about 3am on Sunday after they were overwhelmed. Unfortunately, they set ablaze residential houses and other property, but no life was lost,” he said.
Yaro commended the military and local security groups for their timely and coordinated response, adding that normalcy was gradually returning to the area.
In recent weeks, Boko Haram and ISWAP militants have intensified attacks on both military and civilian locations across Borno State. The military also lost two commanding officers in separate clearance operations in Bama and Damboa LGAs.
However, following week-long visits by the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Air Staff to the theatre of operations, new coordinated strategies have reportedly been adopted to counter the insurgents.
Troops in the frontline, during the visits, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property in the North East, while the service chiefs pledged improved welfare for personnel.
