Nigerians saw the release of 130 children and teachers on Monday, a month after they were abducted from a Catholic school in Papiri, Niger state.

Some of the children appeared malnourished or in shock as authorities prepared to reunite them with their families before Christmas.

Initially, reports said 303 students and 12 teachers were seized, with 50 escaping, but officials later clarified that 230 had been taken and all have now been freed.

No group has claimed responsibility, though armed gangs targeting schools for ransom are common in northern Nigeria, the AP has reported.

Authorities plan to work with community leaders to improve security in high-risk areas and prevent future kidnappings.