Resolution on the mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri

The European Parliament adopted by 519 votes to 2, with 50 abstentions, a resolution on the mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri.

As a reminder, on 21 November 2025, gunmen attacked St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting 303 students, 12 teachers and staff in one of the largest school kidnappings in Nigeria’s history. Nigeria’s security situation continues to deteriorate owing to armed gangs and jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State, leading the government to declare a national security emergency on 26 November 2025.

Parliament strongly condemned the mass kidnapping at St Mary’s Catholic School and all attacks against children, teachers and educational or religious institutions. It expressed solidarity with the victims, their families and the affected communities. It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining abductees and called on the Nigerian Government to ensure their safe return and to conduct thorough and transparent investigations.

The Nigerian authorities are called on to:

- take concrete steps to strengthen school protection and provide alternative learning arrangements to ensure continuity of education for affected students;

- intensify efforts to secure the release of all civilians held by armed groups and to better protect schools and vulnerable communities;

- ensure independent and effective investigations into abductions and related attacks and to prosecute and ensure judicial follow-up of those responsible in line with international human rights obligations and the rule of law;

- take action against insecurity and religious, ethnic and intercommunal violence in the region.

Text adopted by Parliament, single reading