Armed bandits abducted an undetermined number of students from St. Mary’s School, a private Catholic institution in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State, in the early hours of Thursday, 21 November 2025.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers, who arrived on over 60 motorcycles and a van, stormed the school’s hostel at around 2:00 a.m., shooting the gatekeeper and forcing their way in.
The Niger State Government, led by Secretary Abubakar Usman, expressed “deep sadness” over the incident, blaming the school’s management for defying prior warnings to shut down boarding schools in the high-risk area.
Intelligence reports had prompted the government to order the closure of boarding schools in the area, but St. Mary’s reopened without seeking clearance.
Security forces, including police tactical units and military personnel, have launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation, combing nearby forests and collaborating with local leaders.
The government has vowed to hold the school accountable for defying the closure directive, calling the decision to reopen “reckless” and “endangering lives.”
Residents have been urged to stay calm and support security agencies with any credible information that could aid the rescue.
The number of abducted students and staff is yet to be confirmed, and fears are growing over their safety.
