- Safiu Kehinde
The Niger State Police Command has commenced rescue operation for the abducted pupils of St. Mary Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger state.
NPO earlier Reported that a gang of armed bandits had in the early hours of Friday stormed the boarding school, abducting scores of pupils and their teachers.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger Police Command disclosed that its tactical units have been deployed in collaboration with military components and other security agencies to comb the forests for the rescue of the pupils.
While the total number of the abducted persons is yet to be confirmed, the state Police Commissioner, Adamu Elleman, appealed to the members of the public to remain calm as he vowed the ensure the rescue of the students and their teachers.
The statement read; “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.”