100 Niger Schoolchildren Freed

The abductors of the children and staff of St Mary Catholic school, Papiri Agwara local government area of Niger state, have  reportedly released 100 of them.

LEADERSHIP reported that 315 were abducted, 50 escaped 24 hours after abduction, leaving 265 of them in captivity.

A source from Borgu hinted that several buses with the inscription ‘Office of the National Security Adviser’ were seen heading towards Wawa in the Borgu local government area, carrying the rescued children.

Meanwhile, the church, responding to the request for their confirmation, said, “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”.

The response of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontogora, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, stated further that, “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 Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Niger State Command, Wasiu Abiodun, neither confirmed nor denied the rescue of the 100 children, but promised to get back to them.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, stated that the update would be provided at the right time, adding that consultation on the proper position would be officially communicated.

Last Monday, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, reassured parents and authorities of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, that the abducted pupils “are doing fine and will return soon.”

Our correspondent also said there was no confirmation from the NSA’s office as of press time.

U.S. lawmakers Visit Nigeria Over Religious Persecution

A United States Congressional delegation has arrived in Abuja and met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, as both countries intensify diplomatic engagement on security cooperation and rising concerns in Washington over allegations of religious persecution.

Mr Ribadu confirmed the visit in a statement on Sunday afternoon, saying he received the delegation “on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria,” following earlier engagements in Washington, D.C. on shared security priorities.

The delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance, “reflecting the importance both nations attach to this engagement,” Mr Ribadu noted.

According to the NSA, discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–US strategic security partnership.

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” Mr Ribadu said.