Authorities in Niger State have intensified rescue operations following the abduction of an unconfirmed number of students and staff from St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of November 21, saw armed men invade the school hostel between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., taking several students into surrounding forest areas before security forces arrived.
In a statement earlier released by the state government, officials described the incident as “deeply distressing and avoidable,” recalling that intelligence reports had warned of increased threats across parts of Niger North Senatorial District. The government had directed all boarding schools in the zone to close temporarily and suspended construction activities due to rising insecurity.
However, authorities said St. Mary’s School reopened academic activities without notifying or securing clearance from the state government, a decision that allegedly exposed students and staff to avoidable risks.
The Niger State Police Command has now confirmed the deployment of police tactical units, military components, and other security agencies to Papiri. The teams are currently combing forests and surrounding communities as part of a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.
Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reaffirmed the command's commitment to rescuing the abducted students unharmed and appealed to residents to remain calm and support the ongoing security operations. He added that the school’s decision to continue academic activities despite the government’s closure directive would be investigated, with appropriate actions to follow.
The state government also urged school proprietors, community leaders, and residents to strictly adhere to security advisories, emphasizing that the protection of children remains its top priority. More updates are expected as rescue efforts continue.