Christmas may have come early for the abducted victims of the pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community, Niger State and their families, as the final batch of 130 pupils and staff have been released.

According to reports that the figure brings the total number of the rescued to 230.

According to the Federal Government, the rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff marks a fitting end to the year.

Speaking through the Ministry of Information  and National Orientation, the Federal Government said that the released 130 pupils were being handed over to the Niger State Government, after which they will be reunited with their respective families.

“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people.

“The Federal Government empathises with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them, wishes them a pleasant family reunion, a good healing process, compliments of the season and a Merry Christmas,” the Ministry of Information and National Orientation said on Sunday.

Earlier, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed the development to newsmen.