Nigerian authorities have secured the release of the final 130 schoolchildren and staff kidnapped from St Mary's Catholic boarding school in Niger state. This ends one of the worst mass abductions in Nigeria's history. On 21 November, more than 250 children and staff were taken. Earlier this month, about 100 of them were freed. Now, with this latest rescue, "not a single pupil is left in captivity," said officials. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the total freed students have reached 230 and shared pictures of smiling children waving. The rescued students are expected to arrive in the Niger state capital, Minna, on Monday. The government has not revealed how the release was secured or if any ransom was paid. Earlier, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state praised the federal government’s role but kept details secret for security reasons. The Christian Association of Nigeria also said 50 students escaped during the kidnapping. The November abduction followed other attacks on schools and places of worship across north and central Nigeria. Just days earlier, two people were killed and dozens abducted in attacks in Kwara and Kebbi states, but those hostages have since been freed. Most analysts believe criminal gangs are behind these kidnappings, demanding ransom money. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated on 9 December that his government will continue working with Niger and other states "to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our younger ones."