• Fifty students escaped from a recent kidnapping at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Nigeria.
• Over 253 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity, prompting intensified rescue efforts.
• Nigeria's President ordered 30,000 new police hires to bolster security in vulnerable areas.

In a harrowing development, fifty out of over 300 students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state have successfully escaped and reunited with their families. According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 253 children, as well as 12 teachers, continue to be held by their captors following the attack that occurred on Friday. The event has sparked significant concern and urgency among parents and authorities alike, especially since the event recalls the infamous 2014 Chibok girls' kidnapping. Parents have been gathering at the school in hope of news about their missing children, as many continue to wait anxiously outside the premises, seeking updates on loved ones. This information was reported by South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with military leaders to discuss the recent spate of attacks, including the kidnapping of an additional 25 schoolchildren in Kebbi state just prior to the St. Mary’s incident. During this session, Major General Waidi Shaib, Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, confirmed the successful escape of the fifty children while also reporting on the daunting realities faced by the remaining captives. He noted that efforts were being intensified as tactical squads along with local hunters are being deployed in rescue attempts. This progress was also highlighted in reports from Africanews.

Despite the escape of fifty students, the dire circumstances of the other captives underscore a broader issue of insecurity affecting schools across Nigeria. Over the past years, gunmen targeting educational institutions have become increasingly prevalent. Reports indicate that these criminals exploit schools, viewing them as strategic targets to garner attention and potentially extort ransoms. This trend has alarmed local communities and the international community, especially those concerned about educational safety in conflict-affected regions. The situation compels a response from national authorities, who are now engaging in an urgent review of security measures. This perspective is supported by findings from Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

In light of the escalating violence, President Tinubu announced plans to recruit an additional 30,000 police officers to enhance security in vulnerable areas of the country, particularly those frequently targeted by kidnappers. He also ordered a shift in police responsibilities, directing that officers currently performing VIP protection duties be reassigned to focus on frontline security measures in remote areas prone to violence. This action is seen as a response to the alarming security situation affecting school children and the growing fears of parents and communities alike. The administration's steps were echoed in statements from Africanews and South China Morning Post.