The Niger State Police Command has deployed a specialised tactical team to rescue students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Secondary School, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, when armed bandits stormed the school hostel around 2 a.m. and took away an unspecified number of students and staff.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the attack in a statement issued in Minna. According to him, the command has mobilised a combined force of police tactical units, military personnel, and other security agencies who are currently searching the surrounding forests and riverine areas.
The terrain around Papiri, which lies several kilometres from Agwara town along the Agwara–Borgu Road, is known for difficult access, and security operatives are intensifying efforts to track the kidnappers’ movement.
Abiodun said the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, has assured parents and residents that security agencies are committed to ensuring the safe release of the abducted students and any staff taken during the attack.
He also urged members of the community to remain calm, cooperate with operatives on the ground, and promptly share any information that could aid the rescue operation.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that authorities may take disciplinary action against the school management for allegedly ignoring a state government directive ordering the closure of schools in the area.
The directive was issued due to ongoing security threats across parts of Niger State, especially in riverine and border communities where bandit activities have been recurrent.
ALSO READ: St. Mary’s School attack sparks fresh outrage
Residents say the school sits about eight kilometres from the main Agwara town and lacks adequate security infrastructure, making it vulnerable to attacks.
Locals also reported hearing sporadic gunshots during the invasion, fuelling fears as parents rushed to the school premises at dawn.
This latest abduction follows a pattern of school kidnappings in Niger State and parts of northern Nigeria, where bandits have repeatedly targeted boarding schools for ransom.
Although the exact number of abducted persons has not yet been confirmed, security agencies say efforts are ongoing to account for all students and staff.
Authorities have appealed for patience as the operation unfolds, noting that several checkpoints have been activated and aerial surveillance may be introduced if necessary.
The police command emphasised that updates will be provided as soon as credible information emerges.
