Terrorists abduct students and teachers from Catholic school in Niger state

Students and teachers were reportedly abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community of Agwara local government area, Niger state, around 2 a.m. today.

The secretary to the Niger state government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, confirmed the incident, noting that the exact number of abducted pupils is still unknown as security agencies continue their assessment.

State police commissioner Adamu Abdullahi Ellema said police tactical units, military forces, and other security agencies are combing nearby forests in a rescue operation.

Usman added that the attack occurred despite prior intelligence warning of heightened threats in parts of Niger North senatorial district. In response, the government had suspended all construction activities and temporarily closed boarding schools in the area as a precaution.

Authorities assured the public that investigations and search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing, and updates will be provided as the situation develops. Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, head of disaster and relief at Agwara local government, confirmed that verification of the number of abducted students and staff is still underway.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said further details would be released later.

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