The abducted pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Niger State have been released.

They were freed on Thursday in Birnin Gwari and were said to be on their way to Minna, the state capital, as at 9 pm.

The Nation learnt that the bandits released the children after the final ransom of N18 million was paid.

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Proprietor of the school Mallam Idris Umar, who confirmed the pupils’ release to The Nation, said the bandits told them where to pick up the children.

Umar said that while on their way to Minna, their vehicle had a fault, forcing them to return to take another vehicle.

As at 9pm when he spoke to The Nation, they were on their way to the state capital, Umar said.

Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said that he could not confirm the release of the children, who were abducted in late May.