Niger Govt confirms abduction of pupils, blames school for ignoring security directive

The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of an unspecified number of pupils and staff from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government, describing the incident as deeply troubling and avoidable.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Abubakar Usman, the government said it was still waiting for an accurate headcount of those abducted as security agencies continue their assessment.

The SSG explained that the attack happened despite earlier intelligence warning of increased security threats across parts of Niger North Senatorial District. According to him, the government had issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the zone.

“Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk,” the statement read.

Usman noted that security agencies have already launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils. He added that the government is in close contact with security formations and will release updates as new information becomes available.

Authorities urged school owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strictly obey security advisories, stressing that protecting lives—especially those of children—remains the government’s highest priority. Residents were also encouraged to remain calm and assist security personnel with useful information.

Local accounts indicate that the attack happened between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. Community sources said many students were taken during the raid on the Catholic-run school, but the exact number has not yet been confirmed as records were still being compiled.

The Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the incident by telephone, saying the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified. When contacted, the Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said more details would be released later.

This latest abduction comes just days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State, increasing fears over worsening insecurity around schools in the North.

In Kwara State, a recent attack on a CAC church in Eruku left three worshippers dead and over 20 abducted, leading the state government to shut down more than 50 schools on Thursday.

The repeated attacks on educational institutions have heightened anxiety among parents and renewed calls for stronger community-based security measures across vulnerable areas.