The students were abducted on November 21 when armed attackers stormed the school in Agwara Local Government Area, according to government and church officials. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora earlier reported that at least 303 students were missing, along with members of staff.
In a statement issued by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu welcomed the students’ safe return and praised security agencies and Niger State Governor Umar Bago for their role in the rescue.
“We must account for all the victims,” the president said, urging security forces to intensify efforts to free the remaining students and teachers still being held.
Tinubu also warned that schools must no longer become easy targets for armed groups, saying children should not be “sitting ducks for heartless terrorists.”
The incident comes amid heightened international attention over security in Nigeria, following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging persecution of Christians — claims Nigeria’s government has rejected as misrepresentation of the situation.