November 21, (THEWILL) — Security operatives have launched a coordinated manhunt for the armed bandits who abducted several students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri Community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, following a midnight attack on Friday.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, noting that tactical police units, military components and other security agencies had been deployed to the area to begin intensive search-and-rescue operations.
“The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025, at about 2.00 am, a 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”, the statement read.
Abiodun added that operatives “have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescuing the victims unharmed and urged residents to remain calm while supporting security efforts with useful information.
He further stated that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, emphasising that necessary actions would be taken against the school management for violating the state government’s directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to security concerns.
Rescue operations were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
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