Security agencies have stepped up rescue operations in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, after armed men invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School and abducted several students in the early hours of Friday.
The attack happened around 2 a.m., when bandits stormed the hostel and took away an unconfirmed number of students. Authorities are still trying to determine the exact figure.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident in a Friday statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun. He said police tactical units, military teams, and other security agencies have been deployed and are combing nearby forests as part of a joint rescue mission.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, said the Command is determined to rescue all abducted students unharmed. He called on residents to stay calm and share any helpful information with security operatives.
He also warned that the school management will face consequences for reopening the school despite a state government order shutting down schools in the area because of rising security threats.
The statement said the incident will be fully investigated and stressed that rescue efforts are ongoing.
The raid adds to recent concerns about school safety in the North, coming only days after another abduction involving female students in Kebbi State.
