"Governor: Gunmen Release Nearly 300 Abducted Schoolchildren in Nigeria"

Nearly 300 schoolchildren kidnapped in Nigeria earlier this month have been released, with the governor of Kaduna state confirming their safe return. The children were abducted by armed bandits on motorcycles, and while some were rescued, 287 remained with the kidnappers until their release. The gunmen had demanded a ransom and threatened to kill the students if their demands were not met. The state's National Security Adviser coordinated the operations that led to the successful outcome, and the Nigerian Army was commended for its role. Kaduna state has experienced recurring incidents of kidnappings for ransom by bandits in recent years.