By RITA LLIYA

The Niger Police Command has confirmed the release of the remaining 130 abducted students and staff of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of of Niger.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Minna.

Abiodun said that the remaining batch of the victims was released on Sunday, bringing an end to the ordeal of the abducted students and staff of the school.

He explained that a total of 130 victims, including staff members of the school, were released in the latest development.

The police spokesman assured the public that further developments on the matter would be communicated as necessary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the students were abducted on Nov. 21, while the first batch of about 100 students were rescued on Dec. 8, following sustained security operations.

NAN also recalls that Gov. Umar Bago had received the first batch of about 100 freed students through the office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu.

The governor commended the NSA and other security agencies for their gallant efforts which led to the successful rescue mission. (NAN)