Terrorists have reportedly kidnapped several students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, located in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack occurred around 2:00 a.m. today, plunging residents into fear and uncertainty.
Government Confirms School Abduction
The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, confirmed the incident, noting that the exact number of abducted pupils has not yet been verified.
According to him, security agencies are still assessing the situation to determine how many students and staff members were taken during the early-morning raid.
Police Launch Search-and-Rescue Operation
Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema, also confirmed the attack and said that a combined team of:
- Police tactical units
- Military personnel
- Other security operatives
has been deployed to the area and is combing surrounding forests in a coordinated effort to rescue the abducted students and teachers.
Attack Occurred Despite Intelligence Warning
SSG Usman revealed that the government had earlier received intelligence indicating an elevated threat level across parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
In response, the state government had:
- Suspended all construction activities in the zone
- Ordered the temporary closure of all boarding schools as a precautionary measure
Despite these measures, the terrorists still struck the Catholic school.
Government Assures Public of Ongoing Efforts
Usman added that a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue mission is underway.
The government said it remains in constant communication with security formations and will release updates as new information emerges.
Similarly, the Head of Disaster and Relief in Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack and noted that verification of the number of abducted students and staff is still ongoing.