Security operatives in Niger State have launched a major rescue operation following the abduction of an unspecified number of students from St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
According to the Niger State Police Command, armed attackers stormed the school hostel around 2 a.m. on Friday, whisking away several students whose exact number is yet to be confirmed. The incident has triggered widespread concern among residents and parents in the community.
Police deployed to Papiri
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said tactical police units, military personnel, and other security agencies have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted students safely.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, assured the public of the Command’s commitment to recovering the victims unharmed. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing security operations to support a successful rescue effort.
School to face sanction
Authorities also indicated that the school management may face sanctions for reopening and running academic activities despite a state directive ordering schools in the area to shut down due to persistent security threats.
The report read …
“POLICE TACTICAL UNITS, MILITARY COMPONENTS DEPLOYED TO PAPIRI FOR IMMEDIATE RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED STUDENTS OF ST. MARY’S PRIVATE (CATHOLIC) SECONDARY SCHOOL, PAPIRI AGWARA LGA
The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, report received indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the School’s hostel.
However, Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.
In view of this, the Commissioner of Police Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.
He further assured that this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.
SP WASIU ABIODUN
PPRO
Niger State Command
21st November, 2025.”
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