Police: Tactical units comb forests in search for abducted Niger school students

The Niger state police command says tactical police units, military personnel, and other security operatives are combing surrounding forests in an effort to safely rescue students abducted from St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.

Gunmen attacked the school around 2 a.m. on Friday and took away an unconfirmed number of students.

In a statement, police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said security teams have been deployed and are actively searching the area. He added that the commissioner of police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has assured the public of the command’s commitment to rescuing the students unharmed, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

Abiodun also noted that the incident will be fully investigated, including actions against the school management for reopening despite a government directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to security concerns.

Secretary to the Niger state government, Abubakar Usman, said the attack occurred even after intelligence reports warned of elevated threats in parts of Niger North. He added that the school resumed academic activities without informing or seeking approval from the state government.

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